Basketball enthusiasts didn’t have to twiddle their thumbs for long regarding Kyrie Irving’s future. The All-Star guard has opted out of his $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which technically makes him a free agent. However, it looks like he won’t be testing the waters of the open market just yet. Reports indicate that the Dallas Mavericks are gearing up to sign Irving to a substantial three-year, $119 million contract.
In an interesting turn, this new deal is expected to come with a player option for the 2027-28 season, giving Irving both security and flexibility as he navigates his career.
Before a knee injury sidelined him, Irving was putting together another impressive campaign, averaging 24.7 points and 4.6 assists per game during his time with the Mavericks. This performance underscores why Dallas is willing to invest heavily in him, despite the big concerns about his recent injury—a torn ACL that understandably has fans on edge.
On the surface, this three-year contract appears to be a fair arrangement for both Irving and the Mavericks. Yet, the skepticism from fans has been palpable, with some expressing disbelief at the decision to offer such a hefty sum to a 33-year-old player coming off a significant injury. One fan remarked, “40 mil for a 33 year old who just tore his ACL is insane,” while another added, “That’s a lot of money for an aging point guard coming off a huge injury.”
Conversely, there’s also praise for the deal’s structure from fans who see the potential upside for Dallas. One user suggested it’s “solid for Dallas too,” pointing towards the flexibility the contract could provide the team. Others are more optimistic, with comments like, “Great value for Dallas. Even post ACL, Kyrie at $40 million a year is a bargain,” reflecting a viewpoint that acknowledges Irving’s potential impact if he returns to form.
Should the Mavericks manage to get a healthy Irving on the court, they’ll be in a prime position to make a run in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Adding to that equation is a significant boost through the draft, where they’re set to land a promising talent in Duke standout Cooper Flagg. With the return of a healthy Irving, combined with emerging young talent, the Mavericks could be gearing up for an exciting season ahead, especially with fans eagerly anticipating how they’ll navigate the challenges and opportunities in the coming year.
