Dirk Nowitzki returning in 2017, says he could play into 40s

April 13 (UPI) -- Dallas Mavericks big man Dirk Nowitzki is coming back for another season.

Nowitzki, 38, confirmed his return to reporters Thursday morning.

"If I feel like this, like I did at the end, I think I could play another one after that," Nowitzki told reporters, via the Dallas Morning News. "But I'll just leave all that open. When I signed on for two more years last summer that was the plan."

"I'm definitely playing next year."

Rumors have swirled regarding whether the German all-star would be hanging it up after this season.

He averaged 14.2 points per game this season, the second lowest mark of his career. He also posted 6.5 rebounds per bout for the Mavericks. The 12-time All-Star won a title with the Mavericks during the 2011 season. He was the 2006 NBA MVP.

Nowitzki's current deal has a team option for $25 million in 2017. He is one of six NBA players all-time to score at least 30,000 points during his career.