Kyrie Irving to Test Free Agency; Mavs Still Plan on New Contract
No matter how the Dallas Mavericks finished this season out, Kyrie Irving passing up a contract extension now in order to sign a new deal in unrestricted free agency was always expected. That is the smart business move on Irving's end, as he'll be eligible to sign for more years and more money by going that route.
In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, NBA Insider Chris Haynes confirmed what was already expected from Irving.
“Irving is eligible for an extension, but he will instead allow his future to be decided in free agency this summer, sources said," Haynes wrote.
The Mavs have struggled mightily since acquiring the eight-time All-Star, posting just an 8-16 record since he made his debut against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 8. However, Irving isn't the reason for Dallas' woes, which mainly have consisted of untimely injuries, shallow depth and an inadequate frontcourt rotation.
Irving has put up impressive numbers, averaging 26.7 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 51 percent overall and 37.7 percent from deep through 19 games played with the Mavs.
“Despite the Dallas Mavericks’ struggles since acquiring Kyrie Irving, the plan is still to re-sign the star guard, league sources told Bleacher Report,” Haynes wrote.
Irving and Luka Doncic have proven to be a lethal offensive duo. If the Mavs can upgrade their frontcourt and improve their wing depth this summer, next season should go much smoother than what we've witnessed this year since the trade deadline.
We'll see if owner Mark Cuban and GM Nico Harrison are up for the challenge, but first thing's first – they must sign Irving to a new contract. If they offer him the contract he's worth, though, they shouldn't have anything to worry about.
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