Kyrie Irving opts out of final year, expected to sign 3-year, $119m deal with Mavericks

Kyrie Irving declines player option, will re-sign with Mavericks on new three-year contract

Kyrie Irving has opted out of the final season of his current contract with the Dallas Mavericks and plans to re-sign with the team on a new three-year, $119 million deal, according to ESPN.

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The 33-year-old guard had one year and $42.9 million remaining on his previous three-year, $120 million agreement. His decision to seek a longer-term commitment from the Mavericks aligns with his ongoing recovery from left knee surgery performed on March 26. Irving sustained a torn ACL in a game against the Sacramento Kings and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025–26 NBA season.

Despite his injury, Irving remains a central part of Dallas’ long-term plans. His new deal, projected to average approximately $40 million per season, allows the Mavericks to remain under the salary cap threshold. By opting out and restructuring his contract, Irving helps the team gain access to the $5.7 million mid-level exception, providing Dallas with added roster flexibility, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Irving’s impact and performance ahead of injury

Before the injury, Irving delivered another productive campaign for the Mavericks. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He also posted efficient shooting splits, hitting 47.3 per cent from the field, 40.1 per cent from beyond the arc and 91.6 per cent from the free-throw line. His 2024–25 performance earned him a ninth career All-Star selection.

Irving’s leadership and on-court production were instrumental for Dallas throughout the season, even as the team navigated significant roster turnover. Although he will be sidelined for a notable stretch next year, his return is expected to help the Mavericks maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference.

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Mavericks eye future with draft, new core around Irving and Flagg

The Mavericks are positioned to make further changes this offseason. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 25, Dallas is widely expected to select Cooper Flagg, a highly touted forward prospect. The selection could mark a new era for the Mavericks, who are looking to rebound after missing the 2024–25 playoffs.

Dallas reached the NBA Finals in 2024 but saw major changes during the following campaign, including trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline. The move drew backlash from fans but set the stage for a strategic reset. Winning the draft lottery with just 1.8 per cent odds reignited the franchise’s hopes of contending.

With a projected core including Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Kyrie Irving and likely Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks are constructing a roster aimed at long-term success.