Dirk Nowitzki hasn't ruled out returning to the Dallas Mavericks for the 19-20 season.

Nowitzki has maintained that he plans to wait until the summer before making a final decision. Nowitzki has begun to feel better of late for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery last spring.

Nowitzki also would like the chance to play with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

"I'd love to be there for the young guys one more year, but I think it depends on how the body feels," Nowitzki said. "I've had some issues, obviously, this year. I had some knee swelling here the last few weeks, actually before the All-Star break, so it's not all great. But like I said, I am feeling better. I am feeling a little stronger.

"I think I'm going to make that decision later on, but I think the future's bright. I think Luka and KP, if they stay healthy, stay together, they should be a great combo. They should play great off each other. Both have an incredible skill set for their size, incredible playmaking ability for their size. They should jell well, but we have to see how it goes next year."

Porzingis has quietly lobbied for Nowitzki to play next season. Porzingis grew up idolizing Nowitzki.