The Dallas Mavericks have secured the long-term commitment of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who has reportedly declined his $43 million player option for the upcoming season to sign a new three-year, $119 million contract with the franchise. This pivotal agreement, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, ensures Irving remains a cornerstone for the Mavericks and keeps him off the free-agency market.
The new deal, negotiated between Mavericks officials and Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. While the $119 million figure is substantial, it falls short of the $50 million to $60 million annually that rival executives believed Irving could command before he sustained a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee in March 2025. This injury, which occurred during the 2024-25 season, will sideline the 33-year-old guard for the start of the 2025-26 season, though he is reportedly hopeful for a return as early as January 2026.
Irving himself expressed his rationale for staying in Dallas, citing a strong commitment level from both sides, a desire to build a lasting legacy with the franchise, and a firm belief in the Mavericks’ ability to contend for a championship once he returns to full health. The Mavericks, in turn, have placed a high premium on Irving’s leadership and his dynamic ability to pair with newly acquired All-Star Anthony Davis and soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, all under the guidance of coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison.
Irving’s importance to the Mavericks’ roster significantly escalated following the blockbuster trade of five-time All-NBA point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. This move, which sent Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas, reshaped the team’s core. In the 2024-25 season, before his injury, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games. His impact was evident in the team’s performance, as the Mavericks posted a 28-22 record with Irving on the court, compared to an 11-21 record in games he missed.
Beyond securing Irving, the Mavericks have been active in their offseason planning. The new contract for Irving is expected to open up a $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, providing the team with flexibility to pursue additional talent in free agency. Potential targets for this salary slot could include guards like Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon, according to ESPN. This week also saw the Mavericks finalize a three-year, $54 million extension with center Daniel Gafford, further solidifying their frontcourt.
Looking ahead to the upcoming NBA Draft, the Mavericks hold the No. 1 overall pick, a surprising outcome given their less than 2% chance in the lottery. They are widely expected to select former Duke star Cooper Flagg, adding another high-potential piece to their revamped roster.
Irving originally joined the Mavericks in a 2023 deadline deal with the Brooklyn Nets, a move that concluded a tumultuous 3½-year tenure in Brooklyn. Since arriving in Dallas, he has averaged 25.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, earning praise from teammates and the organization for his professionalism and leadership. Despite his recent injury and a history of not playing at least 65 games in a season since 2018-19, his decision to commit to Dallas signals a clear direction for the franchise as they navigate a post-Doncic era and build around a new core.
This new contract for Kyrie Irving underscores the Mavericks’ commitment to building a competitive team, even as they adapt to significant roster changes. With Irving’s leadership and the infusion of new talent, Dallas aims to return to championship contention in the coming seasons.
