The first big "unknown" domino of the Dallas Mavericks' offseason has officially fallen. Kyrie Irving had until 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 24th, to decide on his player option worth just a hair under $43 million for the 2025-26 season.
It was an interesting dilemma for the 33-year-old. He tore his ACL in March against the Sacramento Kings and isn't expected to be back on the floor until January or February, but he still held a lot of leverage if he sought a long-term contract because of how much pressure the team is under to win now after the infamous Luka Doncic trade.
As recently as two days ago, Irving was still reportedly undecided on his player option. There hadn't been much speculation about him wanting to leave Dallas, as there's very little available money among NBA teams right now, but the money was the catch. If he were to opt out, it'd likely be able to sign at a number that helps keep the Mavericks below the second tax apron, a move that could cost him roughly $7 million in the 2025-26 season but add a few more years to the deal.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Irving has decided not to pick up his player option for next season, opting out of his deal, and will sign a three-year $119 million extension to remain in Dallas. The contract does have a player option on the final year of the deal. This is nearly the exact same deal he signed two years ago, that being a three-year $120 million deal with the player option.
BREAKING: Dallas Mavericks nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving is declining his $43 million player option and intends to sign a three-year, $119 million contract with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option in the 2027-28 season. pic.twitter.com/hduY1vEVVP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2025
Even with Irving back in the fold for next season, Dallas is still mainly looking for a point guard this offseason who can fill in for Irving while he rehabs from his knee injury, but still play a key role once he returns.
Irving's opting out and signing for a lower number for the 2025-26 season will unlock the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception as the Mavericks try to sign a guard who can fill in for Irving, per Marc Stein.
Irving spoke on NBA TV ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, talking about how excited he and the team were to have the first overall pick and for the season to come, further proof of how likely it was for him to remain in Dallas.
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Last offseason, the Denver Nuggets signed 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, and the veteran point guard exceeded expectations in his lone year with the franchise. Westbrook, 36, made a huge on-court impact last season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, becoming one of the team's top defenders and cementing himself as one of the top hustle players in the league. Still, some of his greatest impact came off the court. Westbrook became a fan favorite in Denver for his high intensity and his reciprocated passion toward the fanbase and organization, and it was showcased with an incredible moment with a Nuggets fan last season. The NBA's official account shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) to remember the heartfelt moment Westbrook had with a fan who traveled from South Korea to see him play in Denver. Via NBA: "'The happiest man in the building, Kim from South Korea.' @russwest44 had one of the feel-good moments of 2024-25, making dreams come true for an fan who traveled from South Korea to Denver to watch him play " Westbrook responded to this viral video that the NBA posted, with his simple two-word slogan. Via Russell Westbrook: "WHYNOT?" Westbrook has always been an incredible role model for his fans, and moments like this are why he is such a beloved player by plenty of fans.
With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights closing a major chapter in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving made a series of moves to replace his production. He might not be done. Three may be even bolder moves on the horizon. We’ve heard the names Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf before. However, the Maple Leafs are actively fielding and exploring trade scenarios as they look to reshape their roster — and according to Nick Kypreos, a handful of intriguing names are emerging in trade chatter: Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and former Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. The most surprising name still generating buzz is Rielly. Despite being a longtime cornerstone on Toronto’s blue line, his $7.5 million cap hit and no-move clause complicate matters. Yet with the team needing help up front, and possible interest in offensive defensemen like Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Rielly could become part of a larger plan if he’s open to waiving. Also surprising is the talk surrounding Carlo. A recent addition to the Leafs’ defense corps, he is already being talked about behind the scenes as a potential trade piece. If he were made available, there is interest around the league, as the 6-foot-6 shutdown defender has a team-friendly cap hit and strong penalty-killing ability. Trading Carlo could get the Leafs a top-six forward. Finally, reports on the availability of Kadri remain conflicting. Some say he’s not available, while others suggest that the Calgary Flames would consider the idea. The former Maple Leaf would be a welcome addition back to Toronto, but there isn’t much of a reason for the Flames to trade him unless the return is outstanding. Kadri reportedly would consider waiving his no-move clause for a reunion. That said, getting a deal done won’t be easy, especially with Montreal also rumored to be on his short list. Whether any of these deals come to pass or are just pure speculation, one thing’s sure: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing still. Treliving is trying to get his roster to score more goals. He seems willing to entertain any idea and play Moneyball with the roster if it will help.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has clearly grown exasperated with the way the Cincinnati Bengals do business. The Bengals started training camp Wednesday, but Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart were absent. Hendrickson is seeking an extension, while Stewart is the only first-round pick who remains unsigned. Burrow wishes the edge-rushers were at camp. "Obviously disappointing," he told the media Wednesday. "You'd like to have all your guys out there Day 1 to try to build that cohesion that I was talking about earlier, but that's not how it usually works out. "You know it's a business," the QB continued before sighing. "And that is how it is gone." Tense contract disputes are nothing new in Cincinnati. Last offseason, Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase held in for most of training camp. He didn't sign a deal before the start of the regular season but still played 17 games. Unlike Chase, Hendrickson has made it clear he won't play without a deal. He won't even work out in Cincinnati. The 30-year-old posted he's training in Jacksonville on his Instagram story Tuesday. Hendrickson has revealed the Bengals aren't committing any guaranteed money past the first year of an extension. This has been featured in deals for other edge-rushers, including that of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt. Stewart, meanwhile, is dissatisfied with the language in his deal. The Bengals included clauses that would void guarantees for the rookie. Burrow understands the perspectives of Stewart and Hendrickson. "Nobody's ever gonna fault the player for doing business for how he feels he needs to," the quarterback said. "It's cutthroat business, you gotta fight for everything you can get. That's how it goes." However, he hopes Stewart and Hendrickson reach agreements with the club soon. "The sooner you get things done, the better," Burrow said. The Bengals' inability to sign the pass-rushers creates a distraction and wastes time. That's something the team doesn't need after missing the playoffs for two straight seasons. Not making the postseason again would make Burrow even more unhappy.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is in his first season with the New York Yankees after a six-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 37-year-old veteran made his big-league debut in 2011 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has since cemented his status as one of the best first basemen of his generation. Over a 15-year career spanning three teams, he has appeared in 2,023 games, compiled a .289 batting average with an .886 OPS, and collected 2,156 hits alongside 370 home runs. His accolades include an National League MVP in 2022, seven All-Star selections, and four Gold Glove awards. After a disappointing conclusion to his time in St. Louis, Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the Yankees during the offseason. Although he opened the season with a hot start, the team elected to bench him for a second straight game ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. Right-hander Chris Bassitt is on the mound, so left-handed slugger Ben Rice will handle first base in his place. New York now faces a difficult decision about whether to shift Goldschmidt into a platoon role, given his drastic splits this year. Through 271 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, he has posted a weak .246 batting average with a .623 OPS, while against lefties he’s been scorching hot, batting .400 with a 1.166 OPS. With the Yankees locked in a battle to reclaim control of the AL East after the Blue Jays’ surge, every move—and every at-bat from Goldschmidt—will carry significance as the season progresses.
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