NBA
Kyrie Irving declines player option to sign 3-year, $119M deal with Mavericks
Sources told the press this Tuesday that Kyrie Irving intends to decline his $43 million player option as he hopes to sign a new three-year, $119 million contract with the Dallas organization. It was the player’s agent, Shetellia Riley, who seems to have already negotiated the new deal.Â
Mavericks officials are also reportedly keen to going forward with this contract that keeps the veteran star out of free agency and with the club in the long term. Reports also indicate that the new deal will include a player option in the 2027-28 campaign.
The 33-year-old even told the press on Tuesday evening that his decision to remain in Texas for a long time was mostly based on a commitment he felt from both sides, as they hope to build a legacy in Dallas. If he returns healthy from his torn ACL, they believe the club can win a championship.
Most of the conversations surrounding the player’s new extension, have been clear on giving Kyrie the opportunity to lead this roster alongside former Lakers superstar Anthony Davis and the expected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, through the guidance of both general manager Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd.
Before the point guard sustained an important ACL tear on his left knee back in March, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Unfortunately, the injury ended his season and he’s been recovering ever since, as he’s expected to miss out on the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Mavericks franchise hopes that the nine-time All-Star will be ready for action by January of next year. Rival executive around the NBA believed that the player was in line for a significant payday, somewhere between $50 million and $60 million annually.
Once Luka Doncic left the club for Los Angeles, and he was naturally given more responsibility in Dallas, Kyrie played 10 matches and averaged 28.1 points and 4.1 assists in 39.3 minutes. The veteran also provided his experience in a locker room that was shook by fan backlash after the Slovenian’s trade.