Kyrie Irving must make a critical decision this offseason: take advantage of his player option for the 2025–26 season, which is worth $43 million, or go into unrestricted free agency.
According to DallasHoopsJournal.com’s sources, Irving was widely expected to stay with the Dallas Mavericks even before his recent remarks regarding the team’s vision.
The nine-time All-Star has been an encouraging and visible presence for the club while they recuperate from the ruptured ACL he suffered in early March.
Irving was quite complimentary of the Mavericks in an interview that aired on NBA TV after the team’s ascent to the top draft pick in the NBA Draft.
Being a Dallas Maverick right now is thrilling. For Irving, “being a Dallas Maverick fan” is a thrilling experience right now. To MFFL and all our awesome fans, we are absolutely blown away.
We had a 1.8% chance of getting this top pick. And I adored it. It was great to witness the enthusiasm radiating from everyone—the city, our administrative team, our ownership group, and my teammates.
The upcoming opportunity, according to Irving, is among the most significant in his career. “This is one of those times in not only my career but in the legacy play of being a Dallas Maverick, where we have a chance to do something special,” he remarked, looking back on his career. “Nico will excel, I’m sure of it. Patrick, I have no doubt, will excel. Mark is going to be an excellent choice. “So far, it has been an exciting journey.” It has been, shall we say, an up and down ride in Dallas, what with all the different conditions and circumstances, but we’ve been making the most of it, he went on to remark.
I have been making every effort. As a team leader, it is imperative that I maintain composure, remain calm under pressure, be prepared to explain what is happening, and be ready to take the next step. Irving must select his player option by June 24.
Irving could choose to exercise his option and earn $43 million for the upcoming season, but league sources who talked with DallasHoopsJournal.com have long speculated that he is more likely to re-sign with the Mavericks on a new multi-year deal.
Some have even gone so far as to say that they think Anthony Davis, who has a player option for the 2027–28 season, would sign a deal before Irving does.
In 50 games played in the 2024–25 season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 boards, and 4.6 assists. His field goal percentage was 47.3%, his three-point percentage was 40.1%, and his free throw percentage was 91.6%.
His return to action following his torn ACL injury is uncertain, but he is still crucial to the Mavericks’ plans for the upcoming season.
What the Mavericks’ front management has suspected for months is confirmed by Irving’s remarks: that he is still dedicated to the team and its future plans.
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