While we wait for the stars to fall, the 2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions are focused on the teams setting themselves up for a big push to add younger talent. Dirk Nowitzki, being true to his word, takes a Duncan-esque pay cut to give the Mavs space to add more pieces.

The report from ESPN:

"Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to terms on a new three-year contract believed to be in the $30 million range, according to sources close to the situation.

The deal, sources said, contains a player option that would allow Nowitzki to return to free agency in the summer of 2016 and preserves the rare no-trade clause he had in his last contract."

Nowitzki's deal is similar to Duncan's deal wherein he opted out and settled for a three-year deal that would pay him about $ 10 million instead of the $ 20 million that was in the original deal. The Spurs franchise player exercised the last year player option on that deal.

Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki are model franchise players who have exhibited loyalty to their team. They hardly looked the other way even at the peak of their careers.

In fact, Nowitzki is already on a pay cut:

"Fresh off completing a four-year, $80 million contract in which he left some $16 million on the table, Nowitzki has agreed to take a far steeper pay cut this time."

This is what Dirk promised and the Mavericks are one of the candidates making a push for Carmelo Anthony. But they are realistic about their chances. Their 'Plan B' is Chandler Parsons.

With Dirk's new deal, the Mavericks want to acquire a small forward and Parsons, who is a restricted free agent. Marc Stein of ESPN says they plan to offer Parsons a high contract that Houston would be hard-pressed to match.

This is interesting because both teams are waiting for Carmelo. If Dallas makes an offer to Parsons, the Rockets have three days to match-which is a virtual white flag in the Melo race.