DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving have reached an agreement on a $119 million contract extending over three years. This collaboration with the All-Star guard comes even as he is recovering from a torn ACL, which will keep him off the court into the 2025-26 NBA season. Details of the agreement revealed by a source indicate that the official closure of the deal is anticipated to occur as the new league year kicks off on July 6.
Rather than opting into the $43 million player option for the concluding year of his current three-year contract, Irving has decided against it. This strategic move aligns Irving’s term in Dallas with that of his teammate Anthony Davis, who joined the Mavericks in a major trade deal that shifted Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers back in February. With Davis having three years left on his contract and a player option for the 2027-28 season, Irving and Davis’s timelines with the team now coincide.
The timing of Irving’s contract comes just ahead of the NBA draft, where the Mavericks find themselves in a favorable position to select former Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick. This opportunity arose from winning the draft lottery despite starting with just a 1.8% chance. Both Irving and emerging center Dereck Lively II share the same alma mater as Flagg, hinting at a strategic on-court reunion once Irving returns, likely around December or January, assuming all players are at full health.
Kyrie Irving’s venture to the Mavericks in 2023 followed a rocky departure from Brooklyn. In Dallas, he initially joined forces with Luka Doncic, leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade, despite ultimately falling to Boston in a five-game series last June. The unexpected trade of Doncic to the Lakers altered team dynamics, positioning Irving alongside Davis, who holds a championship legacy from his time with the Lakers. Irving brings a noteworthy career average of 23.7 points and 5.6 assists per game over his 14 NBA seasons and has a championship title with LeBron James while with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The debut of Davis in Dallas was marked by a groin injury, limiting his impact, likewise, Irving faced a significant setback with his knee injury shortly after Doncic’s departure. Initially, there was skepticism about the Mavericks trading for Irving due to his controversial period with Brooklyn, highlighted by both on-court disappointments and off-court controversies.
In addition to his previous struggles with the Nets, Irving’s 2022 arrival in Dallas followed a suspension from the team tied to his conduct. The suspension followed the fallout from his social media activity and comments that were perceived as antisemitic. This incident also resulted in the termination of his endorsement deal with Nike. Crucial too was Irving’s absence during much of the 2021-22 season, driven by his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, limiting his play in New York due to local health mandates.
Since his transition to the Mavericks, Irving has experienced a career upswing, steering clear of the controversies that marred his tenure with the Nets. He initially joined Dallas on a short-term question mark transition, but his performance led to a stable contract. His upcoming season with the Mavericks promises a focused chapter devoid of previous drama, with thriving aspirations on and off the court.