Since Kyrie Irving’s contract with the Dallas Mavericks has expired after the 2022-23 season ends, he will become a free agent and enter the NBA Free Agency 2023 (starting from June 30).
This created a lot of rumors that Kyrie would consider signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, thereby reuniting with LeBron James and immediately entering the championship race.
However, for the time being, it doesn’t look like Kyrie Irving is going anywhere.
Reputable expert Marc Stein quotes his source as saying: ” Kyrie wants to stay in Dallas “.
” Kyrie has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue playing for the Dallas Mavericks and quelled any rumors that he wants to go to the Los Angeles Lakers ,” added journalist Marc Stein.
At dawn this morning (February 6), The Athletic and Bleacher Report jointly reported that Kyrie Irving wanted to lure LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks, creating the Kyrie superstar trio – LeBron and Luka Doncic.
NBA experts consider LeBron’s departure from the Lakers unlikely, but that will not change the ability to keep the Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving.
Stein added that Dallas has been aiming to sign Kyrie Irving since trading the defender midway through the season. Although the 2022-23 season ended as expected, the Dallas Mavericks still aim for long-term development with “Uncle Drew”.
From the duo Luka Doncic – Kyrie Irving, the team will upgrade the squad through the transfer market. They will consider trading the 10th pick in the NBA Draft 2023 (taking place on June 23) in exchange for better quality pieces.
Playing a total of 20 games for the Dallas Mavericks in the last season, Kyrie Irving averaged 27.0 points along with 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds, owning a shot rate of 51% FG – 39% 3PT – 95% FT.
The Dallas Mavericks Can Give Kyrie Irving What The Other 29 Teams Can’t
As the closest team that Kyrie Irving has just played for and ended his contract, the Dallas Mavericks have a privilege that the other 29 teams do not have.
They are the only team to sign a max contract with a term of 5 years with a total value of 272 million USD. Meanwhile, other teams can only sign Kyrie to a 4-year contract worth around $202 million.
Many players can give up big money to chase the goal of finding the championship ring, but the difference here is up to 70 million US dollars. This number is too big to ignore and Kyrie Irving understands it better than anyone.
See more highlights of Kyrie Irving in the Dallas Mavericks shirt
