Stunning graphic highlights Dirk Nowitzki's $194,000,000 sacrifice, drawing loyalty comparisons with Steph Curry

Steph Curry's decision to sign an extension with the Golden State Warriors has NBA fans talking about loyalty. However, some fans believe Dirk Nowitzki cannot be left out of this discussion.

Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks and would go on to change the trajectory of the franchise. Despite plenty of interest from NBA teams, the German forward stayed loyal to the Mavericks, even though he could have earned far more with other teams. A graphic on social media, which is making the rounds, shows just how much Nowitzki left on the table over his career.

If Dirk Nowitzki had chosen to pursue a max contract during the later stages of his career, the Hall of Famer could have earned $194 million more in wages. It is an incredible sacrifice from a player that was completely committed to the Mavericks.

Per Spotrac, Nowitzki went on to make over $250 million in salary over his NBA career. During his final two years (2017, 2018), he earned $5 million per season. To put that into perspective, Steph Curry is set to earn a whopping $55.7 million next season, and just signed a one-year extension worth $62.6 million.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is another example of a player who opted for a team-friendly deal. Despite being eligible for a $269 million contract next year, the 28-year-old signed a four-year extension for $156.5 million in July to give the organization the flexibility to sign additional players.

Dirk Nowitzki is the first German player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame

Dirk Nowitzki gives his speech as he is inducted into the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame at Symphony Hall. Photo Credit: Imagn

Few NBA players can match Dirk Nowitzki's impressive resume. Over an illustrious 21 years in the league, the forward was selected to the All-Star team on 14 occasions and was named the league MVP in 2007. He ranks sixth all-time in points with 31,560 and 27th in rebounds with 11,489.

In 2011, Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to the franchise's first-ever NBA championship, defeating LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games.

In 2023, Nowitzki had the distinct honor of becoming the first German player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

At 7 feet and nearly 250 pounds, Dirk Nowitzki had speed and agility for a player of his stature. He could shoot, pass, dribble, and play defense at a high level and eventually developed into one of the league's elite players. To this day, Nowitzki is considered one of the most complete forwards to have ever stepped on the court.