Why Mavs' big decision on Kyrie Irving is best for both sides

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Why Mavericks' big decision on Kyrie Irving is best for both team and player

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 10:12 PM ET

Kyrie Irving wants to be a part of the Dallas Mavericks' future.

The Mavericks, who are soon to welcome presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, like Irving's leadership and ability to fill up the stat sheet.

It's a good match, so it makes sense to hear that Irving has made a big decision regarding his long-term future in Dallas.

He entered this 2025 offseason with a player option for next season worth $43 million. It's being reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, though, that Irving is declining that player option and signing a long-term deal with the Mavericks.

His new deal will be for three-years and is worth $119 million. It will include another player option in the 2027-28 season.

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

Irving is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered in March. He's not expected to be back in action until January 2026, so this deal gives him some long-term stability in Dallas.

From Dallas' point of view, the Mavs are holding on to a player who was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season before his injury.

There's real reason to believe that a Big Three of Irving, Flagg and Anthony Davis can make some noise for Dallas, and Irving is expected to be the key piece of the machinery that keeps things running.

"The Mavericks placed a premium on Irving's leadership and ability to team with All-Star Anthony Davis and soon-to-be No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg under the leadership of coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison," Charania reported.

Irving is a nine-time All-Star and the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He also came from Duke, so that's undoubtedly another piece of the puzzle for Dallas.

The NBA is much different in 2025 than it was in 2011, but Irving is poised to be a great mentor to Flagg.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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