Dirk Nowitzki Officially Announces Retirement After 21 Seasons With Mavericks

"As you guys might expect, this is my last home game."

April 10, 2019

dirk nowitzki announces retirement — DALLAS, TX - APRIL 9: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks arrives for the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Dirk Nowitzki has officially announced his retirement after playing 21 seasons in the NBA.

Dirk made a season-high 30 points in his final NBA game. Dallas beat the Phoenix Suns 120-109.

Back in February of this year, Dirk was asked if he would be playing next season. "I think I'm going to make that decision later on, but I think the future's bright," Nowitzki said. "I think Luka and KP, if they stay healthy, stay together, they should be a great combo. They should play great off each other [...] They should jell well, but we have to see how it goes next year." He continued: "I'd love to be there for the young guys one more year, but I think it depends on how the body feels [...] I've had some issues, obviously, this year. I had some knee swelling here the last few weeks, actually before the All-Star break, so it's not all great. But like I said, I am feeling better. I am feeling a little stronger"

Dirk has played with the Dallas Mavericks for all 21 seasons of his NBA career. He's the only player in NBA history to have played for a franchise for that amount of time.

Dirk's announcement came on the same night of Dwyane Wade's last game.