Mavericks Shawn Marion thinking about retirement and expecting 1st child

Shawn Marion is about to enter his 15th season in the NBA. But per a report with the Dallas Morning News, “The Matrix” is thinking about the end of his career because, “he wants to be able to walk” when his playing days are over.

That’s what happened with Shawn Marion when he ran into former coach Frank Johnson after the Mavericks’ first preseason practice. Johnson was at Phoenix when Marion was an all-star with the Suns.

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Johnson asked Marion how many years this was for him in the NBA.

“Fifteen,” Marion said.

Overhearing that, it was mentioned there was no guarantee there would be a 16th year next season, given that Marion’s due to be a free agent after this season.

“There will be a 16th,” Johnson said. “He’ll probably play 20 seasons before he’s done.”

Marion just laughed.

“No way,” he said. “I want to be able to walk when I’m done.”

In July 2009, he signed a a five-year $39 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks

Shawn and his girlfriend, Jennifer Christensen are expecting their first child. Jennifer shared the news on her Instagram last month. Jennifer, 28, was a runner up in the 2012 Miss Illinois pageant.

Congratulations!