NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Eye 3-Year, $120M Extension for Kyrie Irving Amid ACL Recovery and Uncertain Futurep
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly targeting a three-year, $120 million extension for Kyrie Irving, signaling their commitment to keeping the star guard despite lingering questions around his health and long-term durability.
Irving’s Player Option and Extension Talks
Irving holds a $44 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which he must opt into or decline by June 24. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Dallas is hoping to either:
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Use that option as the foundation for a longer extension, or
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Restructure the deal entirely into a three-year pact worth around $40 million annually.
This would effectively lock Irving in at $120 million over three seasons, a figure that aligns with his recent production but includes risk given his torn ACL in March.
Why Dallas Wants to Re-Sign Irving
Despite a disastrous end to the 2024-25 season, the Mavericks remain high on Irving for several reasons:
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He helped lead them to the 2024 NBA Finals alongside Luka Dončić.
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His time in Dallas has been drama-free, in contrast to his stints in Boston and Brooklyn.
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With Dončić gone (traded in February), Irving and Anthony Davis now form the franchise’s core duo.
The Mavericks are eager to give the Davis-Irving pairing a full season to contend, and locking in Irving is a top offseason priority.
The Injury Factor: A $120M Gamble?
Irving's torn ACL casts a large shadow over negotiations. While his recovery timeline is unclear, the Mavericks are understandably hesitant to offer a massive, fully guaranteed deal to a 33-year-old coming off a major injury. Per Fischer:
"The knee injury and accompanying uncertainty about how soon Irving will return — and how long after that it might take him to regain top form — are obviously variables that potentially complicate negotiations."
The situation becomes a high-stakes gamble:
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Best-case scenario: Irving returns close to full strength and becomes an elite partner to Davis, pushing Dallas back into contention.
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Worst-case scenario: He struggles to regain form or faces further injury setbacks, and the Mavs are burdened with a declining $40M-per-year player.
Will Kyrie Accept?
Irving may want more security — possibly a longer deal or more than $40M annually — given his injury and uncertain market value. However, Dallas offers:
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A proven system that fits his game
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A co-star in Davis
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Organizational stability
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are trying to walk a fine line between loyalty and caution. If Irving declines the player option and tests free agency, Dallas could be forced to outbid potential suitors — though his injury may dampen external interest.
What's Next for Dallas Mavs?
This contract negotiation could define the Mavericks' direction:
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Re-signing Irving would solidify their 2025-26 identity around a Davis-Irving tandem.
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Failing to reach an agreement would leave a massive void in the backcourt and likely force a significant retooling.
With June 24 fast approaching, all eyes in Dallas will be on Kyrie Irving — and whether $120 million is enough to secure his services for what could be the final prime years of his career.
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