Dirk Nowitzki expects to play beyond 2 more seasons

Between appearances, interviews and a nighttime workout with his teammates, Dirk Nowitzki had time to fight through the jet lag and drop a noteworthy development into a conversation on one of the many bus rides he made Thursday.

The closer he gets to the end of his current contract in 2014, the more the Mavericks superstar expects to play beyond the upcoming two seasons. This is a bit of a change of heart for him. He’s always said he’ll weigh his options after his deal expires following the 2013-14 season.

Now, he sees extending his career as a more likely option.

“It’s kind of hard to plan longer than two years ahead when you’re 34,” he said. “But I definitely want to finish my contract strong, hopefully have a couple good years. “So if it’s still fun and I feel well, then I’m more than happy to play longer.”