The Dallas Mavericks seemingly came into the 2023 offseason with one goal in mind, re-signing Kyrie Irving. They managed to accomplish it on the first day of free agency as well, as Kyrie agreed on a three-year, $126 million deal.
Not everyone is a fan of this decision, however, and Justin Termine, the host of SiriusXM NBA Radio, went as far as to say this move will lead to Luka Doncic eventually leaving the Mavericks.
“In my opinion, this spells the end to Luka Doncic’s time in Dallas,” Termine said. “The Dallas Mavericks – and I love Mark Cuban, so I’m sorry I have to say this – are making a massive mistake and not learning the lessons that they know now in Cleveland and Boston and in Brooklyn. Kyrie Irving has agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract to go to the Dallas Mavericks.”
“This spells the end to Luka Dončić’s time in Dallas”@termineradio reacts to the Mavericks giving Kyrie Irving a 3-year, $126 million extension #MFFL pic.twitter.com/9RqWyf5z2k
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 1, 2023
Termine wouldn’t be alone in thinking along these lines. Irving has caused problems behind the scenes at each of his three previous pit stops, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets.
There are many who believe Kyrie was on his best behavior with the Mavericks only because of his upcoming free agency. If he does cause problems now that he has some financial security, it could lead to Doncic, who is under contract till 2025-26 and has a player option for 2026-27, wanting out.
The Mavericks Really Had No Choice But To Re-Sign Kyrie Irving
Ultimately though, the Mavs really had no choice but to re-sign Irving. They gave up Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and some draft capital to acquire him earlier this year, and the roster would be in really bad shape if he left.
That, in itself, could have led to Doncic wanting out later down the road. Luka had pushed for them to trade for Irving because he wanted a co-star, and his frustrations would have only grown if he was left with a poor supporting cast.
Sure, the Mavericks collapsed after the Irving trade as they missed the playoffs, but he still put up good averages of 27.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.6 BPG. Whatever you may think of this deal, they have a much better chance of making any kind of noise next season with him, than without him.
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