Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki is discussing a potential return to the franchise. The 21-year veteran and former special advisor revealed he has held preliminary talks with new head of basketball operations Masai Ujiri about a future role. This comes as the Mavericks build momentum with a 2-game winning run, including a 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026.
What is Dirk Nowitzki's potential role with the Mavericks?
Nowitzki did not specify a position but confirmed discussions with Ujiri are underway. "I know Masai for a long time." Nowitzki said. He stressed talks are early, as he remains busy with his broadcasting role for Prime Video and work with FIBA.
His potential return follows a period of distance from the franchise. Nowitzki cited disagreements with the previous front office led by Nico Harrison, who traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. "Everybody knows that I pulled back there for a while, there was some things done that I didn’t agree with," he explained.
Why does this matter for the Dallas Mavericks now?
The franchise is in a new era under Ujiri, new general manager Mike Schmitz, and new head coach Dusty May. They are banking heavily on 19-year-old star Cooper Flagg, the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year. The team's recent form shows two wins in their last five games (WWLLL).
Key roster moves shape this reset. Dallas traded for forwards Santi Aldama and Zaccharie Risacher and drafted Morez Johnson Jr. In the lottery. They also added Sergio de Larrea and Tarik Biberović. Veterans Klay Thompson left via buyout, and Brandon Williams departed in free agency.
Kyrie Irving is expected back next season after missing extended time with an ACL injury. The blend of youth and experience aims to make the Mavericks competitive in the Western Conference. Fans can track the evolving team [squad](/squad) and upcoming [fixtures](/fixtures).
What did Dirk Nowitzki do for the Mavericks before?
Nowitzki served as a special advisor from June 2021, appointed by then-owner Mark Cuban. He assisted during a major front-office transition, helping recruit general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd. Both Harrison and Kidd are no longer with the organization.
His deep connection to the team remains. "I’d love to be around and maybe one day even come around more and more and maybe have some input at some point," Nowitzki stated. He acknowledged the challenge, given his travel schedule with Amazon, but affirmed, "I’m always a Maverick for life."
The Mavericks' direction hinges on developing young talent like Flagg while integrating veterans. Nowitzki's potential involvement, even in an advisory capacity, would provide a symbolic bridge between the franchise's past success and its future ambitions. The team's performance, including that high-scoring 149-128 win, suggests an exciting, offensive-minded path forward.
