All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki notified the Mavericks he is opting out of the final season and $21.5 million on his existing contract. Mavericks President Donnie Nelson already has booked a flight that will have him in Germany on Thursday, when free agency begins, to show Nowitzki how sincere the club is about keeping its all-time leading scorer and rebounder. The Mavs had been discussing an extension, but it would've been for three years. He can get four as a free agent.

•Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Paul Pierce has notified the Celtics he will opt out of the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time. By opting out, he gives up a $21.5 million salary but becomes eligible to sign a new four-year deal with the Celtics worth a maximum of $96 million or four-year offers from others worth a maximum $93 million.

•Rockets center Yao Ming, who sat out last season following reconstructive foot surgery, activated his $17.7 million player option for this season.