Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry: New contract "needs to be long-term"

Jason Terry wants to return to the Dallas Mavericks, but only on a long-term contract. (Danny Bollinger/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry wants a long-term contract as a free agent this summer, and if Dallas only offers a one-year deal, he will leave, he told the Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko.

“It’s a tough situation,” Terry said. “I’m finally in a position where I can kind of predict my own future, so to speak. I want to stay here in Dallas. That’s always been my goal. But it needs to be long-term. If they’re not ready to step up and do that, then I’ll have to make my home elsewhere."

As Sefko noted, the Mavericks are expected to make a run at point guard Deron Williams in free agency. If the team fails to sign Williams, Dallas may try bringing back the core of last season's NBA champions to make one last run at the title. On Monday, Jason Kidd said he would be willing to return on a one-year deal. But Terry would not be willing to re-sign on those terms.

“I won’t be here,” Terry said if the team only offers a one-year deal. “You can count on that. If they’re doing that, you won’t see the Jet on the runway in Dallas. But my time here was good.”