Kyrie Irving has decided to reject his $43 million player option and plans to sign a new three-year, $119 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The agreement will include a player option for the 2027-28 season, solidifying Irving’s future with the team.
At 33 years old, Irving is currently recovering from surgery in March to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. His rehab timeline is expected to extend into the start of the next NBA season, though he hopes to make a return by January 2026.
Recent Performance and Injury Impact
During the 2024-25 season, Irving played in 50 games for the Mavericks, delivering averages of 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. He posted efficient shooting numbers, hitting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he suffered his knee injury in the first quarter of a loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 3.
Team Outlook with Key Players and Draft Prospects
Once Irving returns, he is expected to play alongside key figures such as star forward Anthony Davis and highly anticipated rookie Cooper Flagg, who is projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. The Mavericks secured the top draft pick after winning the NBA Draft Lottery in May, aiming to bolster their roster for the future.
Irving joined Dallas via trade in February 2023 and has spent parts of the last three seasons with the Western Conference team. He was a crucial contributor during the 2023-24 campaign, helping Dallas reach the NBA Finals before they were defeated in five games by the Boston Celtics.
Significance of the Deal for Dallas and Irving
The planned Kyrie Irving three-year Mavericks deal represents a major commitment to maintaining their core talent amid hopes for a championship run in the coming years. With Irving’s experience and scoring ability, combined with young prospects like Flagg and established stars such as Davis, Dallas aims to remain a contender. Irving’s recovery progress will be pivotal in determining how the team performs next season and beyond.