Mavericks have major Kyrie Irving decision in free agency

Mavericks must prioritize Irving's future

"Nobody expects Kyrie Irving to leave the Dallas Mavericks. The how of his return is the wrinkle president of basketball operations Nico Harrison and company must hammer out," Favale wrote.

"Kyrie has a $42.9 million player option that's grown only more fascinating since he suffered a torn left ACL. Will he opt out and sign a longer-term deal that guarantees him more total money but lowers his annual salary? Does he opt in, return to the rotation in January and hit the open market in 2026, at the age of 34?

"Could he opt in and sign an extension? Should he opt out and put pen to paper on a one-plus-one deal that gives him the ability to reach 2026 free agency but safeguards him against a market implosion? And finally, which outcome is most preferable from the Mavs' perspective?

"That last question is arguably the most important. Dallas is (for now) sitting over the second apron after factoring in the No. 1 pick's salary. Properly positioning its cap sheet will be pivotal to both next season and the bigger picture."

In the meantime, the Mavs will prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft later this month, where Cooper Flagg is expected to be their No. 1 overall pick.