DALLAS (AP) – Jason Kidd wouldn't be surprised if Dirk Nowitzki opts out of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks and becomes a free agent. That doesn't mean he expects the former MVP to change teams.

"Sometimes, as a player, you want to feel wanted," Kidd said Thursday. "He's always felt wanted here. This could be some weird way of being appreciated by other teams."

That said, Kidd added, "We all feel he is not going anywhere."

Nowitzki has until Wednesday to tear up the last year on his contract. Doing so would enable him to sign with Dallas for one year longer than if he simply signed an extension. Of course, it also would put him on the market, at least raising the potential of a change of address for the Mavericks' franchise leader in most key categories.

Kidd said he spoke with Nowitzki recently, having called to wish him a happy 32nd birthday last weekend. Kidd added that the conversation was purely social — no contract talk.

As for Kidd, he's spent the offseason hanging out and playing golf in Arizona. He's back in Dallas for a charity event and visited team headquarters hours before the draft, sporting a scruffy beard and deep tan.

He also offered to give owner Mark Cuban an assist when it comes to luring free agents.

"I'll call whoever Cuban needs me to, or go fly to wherever he wants," Kidd said.