“Maybe better Communicator in life. I think I take a lot of stuff in myself I don’t love sharing my feelings too much. I know over my life that’s driven my family nuts a little bit. So I wish I was communicating my feelings a little better.” Last year on All the Smoke podcast, Dirk Nowitzki explained how he wanted to be a better communicator. Albeit it was on the personal front, it seems a similar opportunity has opened up on the professional front as well.

It’s none other than Amazon Prime Video who has already agreed with Ian Eagle to be their No. 1 play-by-play announcer. However, they are looking for a partner in crime, and want to hire an analyst. Reportedly, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Jefferson, and Stan Van Gundy are some names to watch for. And it won’t be the first time when the Mavs legend did an analyst or commenter role. Keeping that in mind, let’s understand the potential salary that Nowitzki might command.

Salary expectation after deals with other analysts

The most recent high-profile deal that reportedly gets done is of Stephen A. Smith and ESPN. A new contract worth $120 million for six years has been reported, and it’s an upgrade from his previous contract. As Variety reported, the increase in his salary, from $12 million a year to a reported $20 million per year. Similarly, other major stars who are ruling the hearts of fans from the broadcasting world are the ‘Inside the NBA’ show.

The entire crew signed a 10-year contract extension in 2022, and earlier this year, there was uncertainty if they would remain together. Yet their contract values are different from each other.

Let’s look at Ernie Johnson, who was the first one to join the show. He has secured a coveted place in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. His reported contract is $5 million annually. Next is Kenny Smith, who is earning more from the TNT contract than his entire NBA earnings. The Jet earns an estimated $16 million annually. So should Dirk Nowitzki also expect a similar range?

Shaquille and Charles Barkley are also on the opposite end when it comes to earnings from TNT. After the entire retirement, unretirement, and everything in between, Chuck also left a $100 million raise on the table to stay with the network. Which means his current salary is still the original $210 million contract. Despite the revival of the show, it could be curtains for Shaquille O’Neal.

“Little news: “Frustrated” Shaq is currently not under contract to join “Inside the NBA” next season when the show is licensed to ESPN,” Jimmy Traina reported on X. As per the sources of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers legend is very different from the rest of the Inside guys. They might do other shows, including the NCAA tournament. But Shaq’s contract is only for the NBA and will be up in no time. Shaq reportedly earns a salary of $10 million every season.

Let’s not forget it was Dirk Nowitzki who once replaced the Lakers legend during a previous show. Despite strong rumors about Amazon, until the deal is done, the Mavs legend could end up with Inside crew. After all, Charles Barkley was the reason why he wore #41 with the Dallas franchise and #14 for his national team.

How Dirk Nowitzki might solve a crucial problem for Amazon?

In October, Andrew Marchand first explored the possibility of Dirk Nowitzki calling games for Bezos & Co. on his podcast. The reason was simple, Amazon is looking at a Saturday package for the games. So, it may include day games, meaning they would air in Europe at night. Therefore, former international players ought to be frontrunners for the position.

“Then, you know, there are some people maybe who come off the court like Steve Kerr or Dirk Nowitzki. Because another thing with Amazon is that Saturday package — I think the games will probably be in the day, which will be evening in Europe. So they might be trying a little more to get international superstars on those games.”

Let’s also not forget that Dirk Nowitzki already made his broadcasting debut way back in 2011. When sidelined with an injury, he joined the Mavericks’ broadcast team for an interview and coined a term that fans fell in love with. ‘Take dat witchu‘ was not the only highlight, ‘shut it down, let’s go home‘ is another phrase.

After a Brendan Wright alley-oop slam from Jason Terry early in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Plus, he was a part of the the current Mavs broadcast team in 2021, 2022, and the last season, as a guest broadcaster. With the recent TNT gig, replacing Shaquille O’Neal, it seems Amazon thinks he’s got the chops for the gig.