Dallas Basketball

Analyst ponders what Mavs should do in Kyrie Irving's free agency

The Dallas Mavericks face a conundrum with Kyrie Irving and his impending free agency.

Jeremy Brener

Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In this story:

Since tearing his ACL, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving's future looks a bit fuzzy.

The former NBA champion was likely going to opt out of the final year of his deal to become a free agent this offseason, but the Mavs' current state of affairs and his injury could lead to some changes.

Bleacher Report writer Grant Hughes looks at what the Mavs have to do with Irving after his injury.

READ MORE: Cowboys star says Mavericks 'killed the city' with Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

Kyrie Irvin
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

What's next for Kyrie Irving?

"Since Irving is likely to miss most of his age-33 season while recovering from a torn ACL, he may not be in the strongest negotiating position. With few cap-space teams available to drive up his price upon opting out, Irving is also short on outside leverage. If he's hoping to keep his new salary as close to that $44 million figure as possible, the best case Irving can make to Dallas is that it desperately needs him," Hughes writes.

"There may be no coming back from the Luka Dončić trade, but the Mavs risk worsening fan sentiment by not putting a competitive team on the floor for the next several seasons. By trading for Anthony Davis, Dallas eschewed the typical "haul in picks and tank" approach favored by many teams that deal away superstars.

"Irving remains hugely important to any hopes the Mavs might have of being competitive—perhaps not so much next year, but in 2026-27."

Irving is the face of the franchise now, so having him depart just a year removed from a Finals run will be quite literally, an insult to injury.

The Mavs should do what they can to salvage their competitive window and bring Irving back on a long-term deal, which he should be open to exploring after suffering a major knee injury.

READ MORE: Mavericks land $450 million superstar in proposed blockbuster trade with Suns

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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