Kyrie Irving, the 33-year-old guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is on the cusp of breaking new ground. He’s on the verge of signing a new three-year $119 million contract! This announcement follows Irving’s decision to not exercise his own $43 million player option for next season. The new deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, allowing Irving flexibility in his future with the team.
With tonight’s game, Irving’s return to the court will be pushed back once again. He is likely to miss the first part of the 2025-26 NBA season due to injury. He is nonetheless optimistic to be back as early as January 2026. His expected absence leads to even more questions. Most importantly, how will the Mavericks tread water early in the season, living without one of their shining stars?
The Mavericks traded for Irving in February 2023, shipping a large package of players and picks to the Brooklyn Nets. The trade package, which was considered below market value, included Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first-round pick in 2029, and a couple of second-round picks. Since joining Dallas, Irving has thrived, providing calm leadership within the locker room despite some initial backlash from fans regarding the trade.
Irving’s importance to the Mavericks has skyrocketed especially since their trade of star point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. This unexpected move came shortly after Dallas made a strong playoff run to the NBA Finals months before Doncic’s departure. Irving’s ship-steering, clutch-firing prowess has been a cultural salve for this rebuilding ball club.
His time with the Brooklyn Nets was filled with drama and discord as to his departure from there. His time in Dallas has offered a much more conducive environment. It is this special setting that has afforded him the opportunity to show off his talent, leadership skills and poise.
Irving certainly looks poised to embark on this next chapter with an incredible contract extension in hand. Expect fans and analysts alike to be keenly aware of how he adjusts and how he continues to lead the team over that time frame. The Mavericks will need him to step up significantly upon his return to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
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