REPORT: Dallas Mavericks' PF/C Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be back for his 21st season in Dallas, even though the team declined his $5M option for 2018-19 season, per Marc Stein.

The Dallas Mavericks on Friday night declined Dirk Nowitzki’s $5 million team option for next season to make him a free agent and maximize their financial flexibility this off-season, according to two people familiar with the decision.

The move was mutual and a new contract for Nowitzki is expected in July, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the decision publicly.

The Mavericks have been trying to arrange a trade for Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan and are expected to pursue Jordan and other top free-agent centers, such as New Orleans’s DeMarcus Cousins and Houston’s Clint Capela, if a trade cannot be struck. Dallas is declining Nowitzki’s option for 2018-19, according to the people, in the event it helps with another potential move.