Kyrie Irving signs $119 million deal with Mavericks amid injury recovery

In a major development for the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving has confirmed that he will decline a $43 million player option to sign a three-year, $119 million contract extension. This decision comes as the All-Star guard continues to recover from a torn ACL that is expected to keep him sidelined into the 2025-26 NBA season. The announcement was made on June 25, 2025, just before the NBA draft, in which the Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick. Irving’s new contract aligns him with fellow superstar Anthony Davis, who recently joined the Mavericks in a high-profile trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players will have contracts that run concurrently, with the same player option year of 2027-28. Irving, a Duke University alumnus, expressed his commitment to the franchise and optimism about the upcoming season despite his injury. Irving has had a tumultuous career, previously playing for the Brooklyn Nets and achieving significant success while teaming up with stars like LeBron James. He averaged 24.7 points per game in the previous season, demonstrating his value and skill on the court. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, notably limiting his appearances and impacting team performance. The Mavericks aim to build a strong team around Irving, now teamed with Davis, especially after winning the draft lottery to select the talented Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks are looking to create a championship-contending lineup with Irving's return, potentially including first-round draft pick Flagg and young center Dereck Lively II, also a Duke product. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Irving's contract highlights their confidence in his ability to contribute significantly once he recovers fully from his ACL injury, and the hopes that the combination of elite talents can lead them to success in the future.