DALLAS — Add Dirk Nowitzki to the bumper crop of talented free agents.
A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Nowitzki has notified the Mavericks he is opting out of the final year and $21.5 million on his existing contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team wasn’t planning to announce Nowitzki’s decision.
Mavericks president Donnie Nelson already has booked a flight that will have him overseas at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Thursday — 6:01 a.m. in Germany — when free agency begins.
Yao returning to Rockets.
HOUSTON — Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets — a giant selling point for general manager Daryl Morey as he begins courting big-name free agents this week.
The 7-foot-6 all-star center said he has picked up his player option for next season, the last year of his five-year contract.
Nets bolster cap space with trade.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Nets traded forward Yi Jianlian to the Wizards, creating even more room under the salary cap as they head into free agency.
The Wizards dealt forward Quinton Ross to the Nets, who also sent an undisclosed amount of cash to Washington.
Source: Cavs have not offered Shaw.
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have not offered Lakers assistant Brian Shaw — or anyone else — a coaching contract, a person familiar with the search said.
Jazz offers Matthews, Fesenko.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Jazz has made qualifying offers to guard Wesley Matthews and center Kyrylo Fesenko.
Report: Pierce opts out.
Boston’s Paul Pierce has notified the Celtics he will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent, said.
Citing unidentified NBA sources, reported late Tuesday night the all-star forward will forfeit next season’s $21.5 million salary for a chance to sign a new four-year deal worth more than $90 million.
Blazers waive Gomes.
The Trail Blazers waived forward Ryan Gomes, who was acquired by Portland via a draft day trade with Minnesota.
The Associated Press
