Kyrie Irving Predicted To Make Major Contract Decision This Summer

Dallas Mavericks All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving has a player option worth $43.9 million for next season. The Duke product, who tore the ACL in his left knee on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, is expected to return to the lineup in January 2026.

Irving appeared in 50 games this season for the Mavericks, who traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Irving, who won the 2016 championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 2024-25 while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc, and 91.6% from the free-throw line. 

According to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal, the Mavericks are expected to offer Irving a new three-year deal this summer. Dallas wants Irving to decline his 2025-26 player option so the franchise can sign him to a new deal, and one NBA analyst is predicting that will happen. 

"The method by which Irving sticks around might be all there is to decide, then, but if Dallas believes he is an integral part of its championship plan, then it surely wants more than a single-season commitment," Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote. 

"Look for Irving to decline his player option, and the Mavs to welcome back on a longer deal shortly thereafter. Prediction: Irving re-signs with Dallas on a three-year deal with a player option on the final season," Buckley further added.