The Mavericks could be in for a very interesting summer. Franchise player Dirk Nowitzki has opted out of his contract becoming a unrestricted free agent. The Mavericks must re-sign him or they will be in big trouble. That’s because the Cleveland Cavaliers have indicated that they won’t even listen to sign and trade offers for LeBron James. If Nowitzki leaves town the Mavericks would have huge holes at both power forward and center. I have a feeling that Nowitzki will come back to the Mavericks. If he does they will still need a center. There’s not much available in free agency as old war horses like Jermaine O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Brad Miller are the best out there. The Mavericks could try to work some kind of deal with the T-Wolves for Al Jefferson.

UPDATE: (7/3/2010) - The Mavericks have re-signed Dirk Nowitzki to a 4-year, $80 million dollar deal.