Kyrie Irving, a great point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, spoke with ESPN’s Shams Charania after signing a rich new deal, explaining his decision.
Irving had a $43 million player option for the upcoming season when he tore his left ACL on March 3.
The nine-time All-Star decided not to test free agency this offseason by declining his option and committing to a three-year, $119 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. For the 33-year-old, whose career has been derailed by injury, the Mavericks’ financial commitment is substantial.
The long-term deal was nevertheless an easy one for Irving to sign due to a number of important reasons.
Kyrie Irving Valued Mavericks’ Loyalty and Opportunity To Build His Legacy on NBA Title Contender
During a Tuesday appearance on “SportsCenter,” Charania relayed his recent conversation with Irving, in which the 2016 NBA champion outlined Dallas’ appeal in contract negotiations.
According to the league insider, Irving appreciated the franchise’s belief in him despite his injury setback. The 14-year veteran also viewed the Mavericks as an ideal fit to further his legacy while competing for his second title
“I spoke to Kyrie Irving just a few moments ago, and he told me his decision to return and stay in Dallas was largely based on commitment, not only from him, but the Mavericks as well, and wanting to build a real legacy in Dallas,” Charania said.
And even more than that, his belief in this team’s ability when he’s healthy and whole again, potentially in January or February, and beyond over the next three years,” Charania added. “To compete for a championship around him, Anthony Davis, soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the leadership there, Jason Kidd, Nico Harrison and former owner Mark Cuban.”
Irving’s choice follows the surprising February trade that changed Dallas’ championship hopes and team dynamic by sending top player Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Even though they only played in one game together before Davis’s injury, NBA big man Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are thought to make a strong inside-out duo when Davis is healthy.
Another intriguing aspect is the Mavericks’ surprising first-round draft pick, which they will use to acquire Duke star Cooper Flagg, who is expected to have an immediate effect.
Contract Structure Provides Financial Flexibility for Roster Building
While locking up Irving, who isn’t expected to return until at least January, carries inherent risk given his extensive injury history, Charania noted that it afforded the Mavericks crucial financial wiggle room under the restrictive salary cap.
“This was a beneficial deal for both sides because the numbers that he’s signing for allows the Mavericks to have the taxpayer mid-level exception,” Charania said.
The contract structure proves particularly beneficial for Dallas, as Irving’s deal averages roughly $40 million annually, $3 million less per year than his declined option. This modest reduction provides the Mavericks with access to the valuable $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception, a crucial tool for roster construction.
The NBA insider now expects Dallas to target a short-term solution at point guard in free agency, acknowledging the reality that Irving won’t be available for potentially half the regular season as he recovers from ACL surgery.
“They need to find a point guard that can play as a starter while Kyrie Irving is out. I’ve heard two names to keep an eye on: D’Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon,” Charania stated, emphasising the importance of the situation.
The medical team is hopeful for Irving’s return in January but is hesitant to push its star guard back just yet, so the exact date of his recuperation is still up in the air.
As Dallas looks to make the most of their championship window, the 33-year-old’s durability becomes an issue due to his substantial time missed in four of the last five seasons.
The Mavericks seem prepared to handle Irving’s absence and provide the necessary runway for their $119 million investment with the right veteran addition and Cooper Flagg’s expected contributions.
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