It’s hard to imagine the Dallas Mavericks season getting worse. Then it did when Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in a matchup against the Sacramento Kings earlier this week. Injuries have plagued the team all season, sidelining most of the Mavericks starting rotation as well as newly acquired big man Anthony Davis. The Mavs are in shambles and Luka Doncic is gone for good. What does that mean for Irving’s future in Dallas?
Kyrie Irving Injury: The Superstar’s $44 Million Decision
Getting Complicated
In an article I wrote last month detailing the calamitous Luka Doncic trade, I noted how Nico Harrison severely hindered any leverage he might have in negotiations over Irving’s upcoming contract. The 32-year-old’s current deal contains a player option for next season. Before his tragic injury, it made sense for Irving to demand a max extension. Doncic’s departure essentially made Kyrie indispensable, especially if the Mavs want to maximize their championship widow with an aging Davis.
However, Kyrie Irving’s injury injury greatly muddies the water. Uncle Drew might find himself on the wrong side of his thirties by the time he’s back to full strength. Should he trigger his option and guarantee the remaining $44 million on his deal? Does he bet on himself and attempt to secure a long-term contract? The Mavericks’ future plans will likely determine Irving’s best course of action What those plans are remains to be seen.
Dallas Mavericks Damage Control
In an appearance on Game Theory Podcast—a show led by The Athletic writer and NBA Draft guru Sam Vecenie—Tim Cato reported that Harrison likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “My best guess is Nico Harrison is the GM next season, and if he is the GM, then yes they are going to try to make this work,” said the long-time Mavericks reporter.
This might come as a shock to most. Constant negativity from fans and media continues to plague the front office. If anything, Irving’s torn ACL seems like a chance to pivot, correct course, and cut their losses. Dallas still holds their first-round draft picks for 2025 and 2026. The organization could flip Davis for more picks and take advantage of what many consider to be two strong draft classes.
Cato went on to imply that Harrison is digging his heels into the sand. “I’ve seen people throw around the word ‘ego’ a lot when it comes to how Nico came to this decision…it was the belief that the clearly working system and vision of the Mavericks was still inferior to the one he preferred.” Harrison will see out his plan, through hell or high water.
Irving’s Injury and Contract Options
ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently posted his 2025 free agency preview and notes that “executives polled for this story unanimously consider Irving the player who has the most leverage heading into the 2025 offseason.” Marks goes on to say that Irving would be eligible for a five-year, $313 million extension. He assuredly won’t receive the full amount due to the knee injury, but Irving’s camp will likely use it as a starting point for negotiations.
Kyrie could opt into the rest of his current contract and recover with all $44 million guaranteed. However, should he come back midseason and perform below expectations, it might not bode well for a future deal. The NBA already stigmatizes small guards with a hefty injury history.
Alternatively, If Nico remains committed to his vision, the point guard may retain strong bargaining power. Injury or not, Irving is instrumental in the success of the franchise for the next few years. The front office might just have to give him what he wants. Only time will tell, but it looks like Kyrie holds all the cards.
Photo credit: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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