Dirk Nowitzki plans to return for a 21st NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks center told The New York Times this week.

Nowitzki will be 40 when the 2018-19 season begins, but he told the Times that he feels ready for another year.

"As of now, I'm planning to come back," Nowitzki told the Times this week. "I feel great. I've only missed one game all season. I signed a two-year contract because I wanted to play two more years. And here we are."

Nowitzki is averaging 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds this season. While those numbers are lower compared to past campaigns, he has stayed healthy (72 games played entering Tuesday night), and he's shooting 41.9 percent from 3-point range, which ranks in the top 20 in the league.

The 12-time All-Star told the Times he'll make a final decision on his playing status for 2018-19 after discussing it with his wife and his longtime adviser after the season ends next month.

Nowitzki signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Dallas before the season. The second season is a team option.