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The career span of an NBA star is affected by a number of different factors. Age, injuries and internal motivation can all lead NBA players to call it quits, and the summer of 2019 will result in a number of high profile names exiting the league.
Just this past summer we saw the likes of Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson retire after lengthy careers, and despite the current NBA season being a month old, speculation regarding the future of a number of stars has already begun. So here are four high profile names who may retire from the NBA at the end of the 2018/19 season.
#4 Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki turned 40 in June, and the power forward himself has consistently stated that this may be his final season in the NBA. His production was at an all-time low last season, and the German has not yet made an appearance during the current season.
Dallas are moving towards youth with the outstanding Luka Doncic leading the way, however Nowitzki's experience and knowledge remain incredibly useful in mentoring the much younger members of the roster. If Nowitzki does call it quits in 2019, he will retire as both an NBA Champion and one of the highest scoring players in the league's history.
#3 Vince Carter
Vince Carter is not only the oldest active player in the NBA, he is also one of the oldest players of all-time. The Atlanta Hawks star will be 42 by the time the NBA season ends, and Carter himself has admitted that his career is nearing the end due to his age and physical decline.
The 8-time All-Star has not lost his passion for the game of Basketball, and he averaged 18 minutes per-game for Sacramento last season. Just like Nowitzki, Carter is important in offering advice to Atlanta's young core of players, however father time may finally force Carter to retire in 2019.
#2 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is a likely future Hall of Famer, however, his last three years have been turbulent to say the least. After publicly falling out with the NY Knicks, Anthony moved to Oklahoma to form part of the so-called 'OK3'. The move to the Thunder resulted in a playoff appearance, however, Anthony was largely ineffective in the series against the Jazz, and he was mostly benched during the final games of the series.
After the Thunder crashed out to the Jazz, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the summer, as Sam Presti (Thunder General Manager) wanted to rid Oklahoma of his huge salary. Anthony eventually landed with the Rockets, however, his poor defense meant that he was released after just 10 games.
Melo is still just 34, however, it is doubtful that he will want to play for a team that is not competing for at least a playoff spot. The Lakers or 76ers could still rescue the 10 time All-Star, however, don't expect to see Anthony taking a veterans minimum contract for a team such as the Magic or Suns next season.
#1 Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade has enjoyed an incredible NBA career which has resulted in three NBA Championships and 12 All-Star appearances. The 36-year-old led the league in scoring during the 2008/09 season, while he was also named the MVP of the NBA Finals back in 2006.
Wade has slowed down in recent years, and late career moves to both the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't work out as planned. The shooting guard has however been somewhat revitalised by his move back to the Miami Heat, and he is embracing his role of leading from the bench.
Wade has admitted that this will likely be his last season in the NBA, and he has already missed a number of games due to the birth of his child. The Heat face an uphill battle to make the playoffs after a slow start, however, a final playoff series is what Wade deserves after his incredible career in Miami.
