Mavericks' Kyrie Irving has all of the leverage this offseason after Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

The Dallas Mavericks escalated their timeline when they traded Luka Doncic away to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Dallas now has three players in their starting lineup, when healthy, on the wrong side of 30 years old in Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson. That could be a major factor when it comes to negotiations this offseason.

Kyrie Irving could become a free agent this offseason, as he has a player option worth nearly $44 million for the 2025-26 season. He could decline that option and set himself up for one last big payday in his career, as he'd be eligible to sign a 5-year, $313 million extension this offseason. He's not guaranteed to demand every dollar possible, but he has every right to ask for it.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN's Bobby Marks published a 2025 free agency preview as the NBA emerges from the All-Star break and asked, "Which NBA free agents will have the most leverage this summer?"

According to Marks, "executives polled for this story unanimously consider Irving the player who has the most leverage heading into the 2025 offseason."

Marks cites a few reasons, but mainly that he has a player option, and Nico Harrison is all-in for an older timeline. There were even reports that the Mavericks tried to make a swing at Kevin Durant before the trade deadline, before realizing it wasn't likely. And as Marks noted, that timeline only exists if Irving either picks up his player option or re-signs with the team. How big of a disaster would it be if Irving left for nothing this offseason?

Irving has had a tremendous season, averaging 24.6 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.8 RPG, making his 9th All-Star appearance last weekend. If he stays healthy, he could be considered to make an All-NBA Team for the first time since 2021 and the fourth time in his career. Those all impact the contract he could receive this offseason.

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

Lakers waive former Dallas Maverick to sign former Top 5 pick

Report: Mavericks showed interest in three-time All-Star

Former Mavericks executive goes off on Patrick Dumont over Luka Doncic remarks

Luka Doncic’s father says that his son has already moved on from Mavericks-Lakers trade