Dirk Nowitzki has two seasons remaining on his current deal and he was asked at the Dallas Mavericks' media day whether he's begun considering retirement.

"Obviously it gets closer, but it's not like I'm thinking of the beach every day," said Nowitzki. "I want to play two more years under contract here, hopefully at a high level, compete, hopefully be efficient when I'm out there. And then retirement obviously comes soon enough. But as of now, I still think I can play at a high level. I'm going to work my butt off here these four weeks to get in the best shape I can get, and then leave it all out there again." 

Nowitzki was asked if he will wait until 2017 to consider retirement.

"Obviously if you know me a little bit I'm not going to do what some of these athletes do and announce it the year before and have a farewell tour. That's the worst thing that I can think about, (have to) talk about every day. When I'm gone, I'm gone. That's how it's going to go." 

Wesley Matthews will definitely not be ready for the Dallas Mavericks' regular season opener.

Matthews is still returning from a torn Achilles sustained on March 5th.

Asked if Christmas was a realistic date for Matthews' return, Rick Carlisle said: "It's a definite maybe.

"It could be sooner. It's hard to say. His court activity has been ramped up some. He will participate in certain aspects of training camp, but nothing live to start with."

Chandler Parsons underwent a "minor hybrid" microfracture operation on May 1st, according to sources.

Parsons has not been fully cleared for the beginning of training camp with the Dallas Mavericks, but remains optimistic of being available for their Oct. 28th opener.

The Mavs and Parsons have been vague about the details of the operation, which was announced simply as an "arthroscopic surgery to address a cartilage injury in his right knee."

Mark Cuban was asked to respond to comments from Doc Rivers in which he expressed the sentiment that Cuban didn't handle the DeAndre Jordan situation very well.

“It shows you what someone will do when their entire future is vanishing in front of them," said Cuban. "His professional life was over if he didn’t get DJ. He did what he needed to do.”

Jordan backed out of his agreement in the offseason with the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The issues Deron Williams faced during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets were both physical and mental, according to sources close to the situation.

Williams was acquired by the Nets in 2011 in a costly trade and he signed a new deal in 2012 worth more than $100 million.

"He played a lot better with less than he did with more, when he was more of a focal point," former Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks said.

Williams' leadership was also criticized by Paul Pierce.

"Before I got there, I looked at Deron as an MVP candidate," Pierce said. "But I felt once we got there, that's not what he wanted to be. He just didn't want that.

"I think a lot of the pressure got to him sometimes," Pierce said. "This was his first time in the national spotlight. The media in Utah is not the same as the media in New York, so that can wear on some people. I think it really affected him."

Williams is getting a fresh start this season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks attempted to convince Steve Nash to come out of retirement and join their team as a player as recently as June.

The Mavericks hoped Nash would be interested in reuniting with Dirk Nowitzki and playing backup point guard.

Nash had also received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 14-15 season.

Nash remained adamant he would only play for the Los Angeles Lakers if he were physically able to return.

The Golden State Warriors will hire Nash as a consultant.

Deron Williams had a difficult tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and is looking forward to a new beginning playing for his hometown Dallas Mavericks.

“Just getting started, man. A fresh start is what I’m most excited about,” Williams said Wednesday. “You know, playing with this group of guys, I feel like we have a great group of guys here, and so (I’m looking forward to) just getting everybody healthy and getting on the court with them.”

He added: “It’s been a great transition for me. You know, it’s tough to pick up and move that quick and find schools for your kids and all that. But, as far as what’s going on here, these guys have been great and helping. The transition has been really smooth, and I’m excited about this season.”

Williams hopes to lighten the burden on Dirk Nowitzki.

“It’s going to be great. I mean, Dirk could play until he’s 50, man, the way he shoots the ball,” Williams explained. “He’s always going to be able to shoot the ball, and he does so much more. I’ve always had a lot of respect for his game and what he does and brings to the court, and so I’m definitely excited as a point guard to be able to play with someone of his caliber.

“I mean, I’m definitely excited about that. You know, there’s definitely a stability about this organization that’s definitely intriguing. You know, they have guys that have been here forever, so it’s just about plugging in the new pieces — myself included — and just trying to get to work. But, you know, I’m just excited about this opportunity, and I’m ready to get the season going.”