The NBA’s limited free-agent market could shrink further as neither James Harden nor Kyrie Irving is expected to leave their present teams this summer. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, no reputable voices predict Irving will exit the Dallas Mavericks or Harden will depart the Los Angeles Clippers in the near future.
No one, to be clear, is forecasting Irving or Harden to leave their current situations in Dallas and Los Angeles. Long before he sustained a season-ending knee injury in early March, Irving was widely projected to re-sign this summer with the Mavericks. Harden, meanwhile, appears to be no less entrenched in Clipperland … even after LA’s disappointing first-round exit to the Denver Nuggets.
— Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
Irving’s Future with the Mavericks and Contract Considerations
After a challenging season that saw Irving suffer a torn ACL in March, the Mavericks’ outlook improved considerably by securing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, which shifted their strategy and prospects. Irving owns a $44 million player option for the 2025-26 season, making his contract a central topic as he recovers.
Rumors suggest Dallas may use this player option as a foundation to negotiate a new deal to keep Irving longer-term. Fischer indicated the team hopes to extend him with a multi-year agreement maintaining a salary close to the $40 million annual figure he agreed to in July 2023.
Additionally, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dallas aims to acquire another point guard during the off-season, either via free agency or trade, to complement Irving. The plan includes preparing for Irving’s anticipated return around January as he recovers from his injury.
Harden’s Role in Los Angeles and Contract Outlook
James Harden’s 2024-25 season marked a strong resurgence, culminating in All-NBA third team honors after averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds over 79 starts. He has a player option worth $36.3 million for the upcoming season.
The Clippers appear well-positioned financially to offer Harden an increased salary while preserving the non-taxpayer midlevel exception to strengthen their roster. Given the scarcity of point guards like Josh Giddey (restricted) and Fred VanVleet (holding a player option) on the market, the Clippers organization is expected to prefer continuing their partnership with Harden alongside Kawhi Leonard.
This powerful backcourt helped Los Angeles secure 50 wins during the regular season and the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Despite their eventual seven-game playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets, Harden and Leonard provided a competitive foundation for the team.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
With both players likely to remain, the Mavericks and Clippers can build continuity rather than undergoing significant roster upheavals. Dallas’s successful draft lottery outcome and plans to strengthen the point guard position suggest a more optimistic outlook for the franchise’s future performance. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ decision to retain Harden signals confidence in their current core’s ability to contend in a challenging Western Conference.
For fans and analysts, the lack of movement from these prominent players narrows the free-agent possibilities this summer, reinforcing the importance of internal development and strategic trades for other teams aiming to improve. Continued health and contract negotiations will remain crucial factors as these franchises prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season.