Dirk Nowitzki is giving thought to playing beyond the final remaining season on his contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Nowitzki said on ESPN Radio's "NBA Insiders" show that playing an even "20 years would sound really, really great."

Nowitzki is in his 18th season in the NBA.

"My goal was when I signed this three-year deal to fulfill that contract. And so if I play next year through, by that point I'll be 39. To be honest, 20 years [in the NBA] would sound really, really great. And next year would obviously be my 19th year, so maybe after this next year I could sign on one more. But I'll just have to wait and see, I think, at this point."

Nowitzki and the Mavericks are attempting to qualify for the playoffs.

"This season I felt good. Next year we'll see how it goes and then I can make that decision with my family, with [longtime shooting coach and mentor] Holger Geschwindner and all my guys that have been working with me for so long ... I can make that decision if I play one more season."