DALLAS — Just hours before the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, franchise cornerstone Kyrie Irving made a defining statement of loyalty and belief.
The nine-time NBA All-Star declined his $43 million player option for next season and instead agreed to a three-year, $119 million contract extension with Dallas ... and now that agreement is officially signed.
The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and effectively ties Irving to the Mavericks for the remainder of his prime years. It’s a commitment that not only offers Irving long-term security as he recovers from a torn ACL but also provides the Mavericks with much-needed roster flexibility and a clear direction as they reshape their identity in the wake of the Luka Doncic trade.
Irving’s choice to leave $43 million guaranteed on the table speaks volumes.
Rather than play out a single season of uncertainty, the 33-year-old point guard is doubling down on his belief in Dallas’ future.
League sources told DallasBasketball.com that the new deal's Year 1 salary allows the Mavericks to access the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception — an essential tool as the front office eyes lead guard options to bridge the gap until Irving’s expected return in January 2026.
Even after his injury-shortened season, Irving remains the heart of this retooled Mavericks roster. Before going down on March 3 against Sacramento, he was enjoying a stellar campaign, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from deep. That production, coupled with his veteran presence in the locker room, earned him his ninth All-Star nod and solidified him as the team's emotional and tactical leader.
His leadership proved critical during one of the most turbulent stretches in franchise history. The controversial trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers left the fanbase stunned and the locker room searching for answers. Irving, despite being sidelined, stepped up behind the scenes — mentoring young players, embracing Anthony Davis as a co-star and helping maintain cohesion amid adversity.
Now, with Davis in the fold, Flagg on the way, and the organization poised to make more moves, Irving’s recommitment - part of his "beautiful'' injury rehab - signals the beginning of a new era — one rooted in experience, high-upside youth and a clear championship ambition.