In breaking news at the beginning of the offseason for the NBA, Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving reportedly decided to turn down his $43 million player option with the team. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Irving took this decision with the intent to sign a $119 million extension with the Mavericks.
This news comes a few months after his ACL injury ended the Mavericks’ hopes last season. Following the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers, some analysts believed Kyrie may be on the way out next as the franchise will look to hand over the reins to Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. On the other hand, some felt that Irving’s importance further increased for the Mavericks, and he may even be looking at a $50-60 million contract.
But this move seems to set in stone that the Mavericks have long-term plans for Irving. Shams Charania further posted some additional details of this deal.
“Mavericks officials and Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, negotiated the new deal that keeps Irving out of free agency. Irving locks in almost $40 million in annual salary as he rehabilitates a torn ACL, as both sides commit to each other long term.”
Kyrie Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season and was selected to play in his ninth All-Star game. Still in the prime of his career, Irving’s return from injury next season could be the deciding factor on whether the Mavericks are instantly championship contenders or not.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, this move by Irving has given some flexibility to the Mavericks in the trade market as well.
“The new Kyrie Irving contract will likely give Dallas the flexibility to use their $5.7M tax midlevel exception. If Irving opted in, Dallas would be a second apron team, and the exception would not be available unless a trade occurred.”
Per ESPN, this mid-level exception could allow them to target players like Dennis Schroeder, D’Angelo Russell, Malcolm Brogdon, or even the future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul. The injuries to Davis and Irving near the end of the season allowed the Mavericks to fall just enough that they landed the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After seeing the inside details of Cooper Flagg’s workout with the Mavericks, it’s almost certain that they will draft him. The trio of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg will be the most exciting prospect to see in Dallas next season.
