Kyrie Irving will remain with the Dallas Mavericks. Because he has big goals in mind.
Despite catastrophic injuries earlier this season, Kyrie Irving’s future with the Dallas Mavericks is absolutely clear.
The All-Star Point Guard signed a three-year, $119 million contract extension after turning down the player’s option.
Despite coordinating Luka Doncic’s controversial trade, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison won the trust of Kyrie Irving.
And that’s one of the big reasons why Irving put his pen on paper on his new contract as he is about to reach the top of the mountain again.
Shams Charania appeared on ESPN to discuss Kyrie Irving’s decision to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks this week.
Repeating what Irving told him, Shams mentions the player’s desire to establish his legacy in Dallas, competing for the championship with Anthony Davis and Cooper Flag, as a factor behind his decision to re-sign, along with confidence in the organization.
“I spoke with Kyrie Irving just a moment ago and he told me that his decision to stay back in Dallas was largely based on commitment.
“Not only from him, but Maverick, likewise, wants to create a real legacy in Dallas. More than that, his belief in the abilities of this team when he is healthy and overall again.
“Potentially compete for the championships around him, Anthony Davis, and soon #1 overall pickcooper flags in January-February, and over the next three years.
Irving praises Flag’s potential and how he expects to perform. In a way, Irving reflected the feelings of former Mavericks star Derek Harper, who believes Flag’s success depends on Irving and Anthony Davis.
Shams also spoke about the economic benefits of both parties after the contract. Irving chooses to accept PayCut, allowing Nico Harrison to sign backup point guard using mid-level exceptions.
He mentioned D’Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon as potential candidates.
“This was a profitable deal for both parties. The numbers he’s signing allows the Mavericks to have a mid-level taxpayer exception (MLE).
“Why is that important? That’s important because they need to find a point guard who can play as a starter while Kyrie Irving is out.
“I keep an eye on the two names: D’Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon. Kyrie Irving has been there for a long time. There have been several settlements to allow Maverick to have flexibility. We’ll see what they do over the next few weeks.”
Russell and Brogdon are the right backup guards that can start when you need them and put your points on the board.
Nico Harrison will need to decide which point guard to sign. But tonight, his priority is to add the Cooper Flag to the Mavericks with a #1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.