Stephen A. Smith recently secured one of the largest media contracts in sports history with a five-year, $100 million extension at ESPN. However, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving sparked controversy by questioning whether Smith is truly worth such a salary. His remarks came at a time when Smith had been publicly defending Irving’s own contract negotiations, adding tension to the ongoing discussions around player and commentator compensation.

During a live stream, Irving stirred debate when he commented on Smith’s contract value.

I’m going to discuss his contract,

Irving said during the broadcast.

I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say, I don’t think he’s worth it.

Irving was quick to explain that his statement was not a personal attack but rather an example in a wider conversation about how individuals in the media space are paid.

Now that may be controversial. Obviously, Stephen A., this is just for [an example]. Somebody might try to clip it up, watch the whole clip,

Irving clarified.

Despite his effort to soften the comment, the clip gained viral attention almost immediately, largely because of its timing and context.

Interplay Between Irving’s Remarks and His Own Contract Dispute

The timing of Irving’s critique was particularly notable given that it followed days after he signed a lucrative $119 million, three-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks. This deal ended weeks of uncertainty about his future in free agency.

Adding intrigue, Stephen A. Smith had been outspoken about Irving’s contract talks, criticizing the Mavericks for undervaluing the All-Star. On ESPN’s First Take, Smith argued that Irving deserved a larger payday.

Kyrie Irving got low-balled,

Smith stated emphatically.

I think he deserves more. It’s Kyrie Irving we’re talking about here. In today’s economy, where you got Cavs getting paid $55, $60 million plus, you couldn’t give this guy at least $43 to $45 million a year?

Smith used comparisons to other NBA contracts to underline his point and did a detailed financial breakdown.

Remember, he was supposed to be getting a player option that would have given him $43 million,

Smith elaborated.

So, to me, at $119 million, that is a fraction less than $40 million per. Kyrie Irving deserves more than that.

I think Kyrie Irving got low-balled.

The irony of Irving questioning Smith’s contract while Smith defended Irving’s own pay was not lost on observers, highlighting a complicated relationship between player earnings and media compensation.

Kyrie Irving’s Journey with the Dallas Mavericks and Injury Setback

Irving joined the Mavericks early in the 2023 season after a trade from the Brooklyn Nets that also involved Markieff Morris headed to Dallas, while the Mavericks sent Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and two second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Brooklyn.

In the 2024-25 season, Irving posted averages of 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 50 games. However, his season ended prematurely in March when he tore his ACL, with an expected recovery timeline targeting a January 2026 return.

Kyrie Irving is targeting potentially sometime in January to make his return,

reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Irving’s absence impacted the Mavericks, who struggled with consistency and ended the 2024-25 campaign with a 39-43 record. The team did earn a spot in the Play-In Tournament but fell short of reaching the playoffs after a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second play-in game.

Stephen A. Smith’s Continued Influence Amid Contract and Public Feuds

While Irving deals with his injury and contract aftermath, Stephen A. Smith remains a dominant media presence. Even before the 2025 NBA postseason began, Smith was already making headlines, not only for his substantial ESPN contract but also for reigniting a well-publicized dispute with LeBron James.

Smith’s reported $100 million, five-year deal, as noted by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, secures his position as one of the highest-paid sports media figures, fueling debates about media salaries relative to player earnings.

Implications of the Contract Controversies for Media and Athlete Compensation

The contrasting positions held by Kyrie Irving and Stephen A. Smith emphasize the ongoing debate about the worth and valuation of talent both on and off the court. Irving’s challenge to Smith’s paycheck demonstrates skepticism toward media salaries, while Smith’s defense of Irving signals the complicated nature of assessing value across different roles within the sports industry.

As Irving focuses on recovery and returning to form, and Smith continues his influential coverage, this contract story may fuel further discussions about how and why sports figures, whether players or media personalities, negotiate and receive their millions.