When the Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable by trading away Luka Doncic back in February, it caught the NBA world by surprise. While Doncic made the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament by the Memphis Grizzlies and missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.
A big reason why the Mavericks were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament was not having Kyrie Irving on the court. In a season battled by injuries and frustration, Irving tore his ACL back in March and had to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Despite winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery to get Duke's Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks' trade with Doncic back in February created a dilemma surrounding Irving this offseason that many could've seen coming, but the Mavericks might not have realized it.
The Mavericks need Kyrie Irving more than he needs them
This summer, Irving has a player option at 33 years old and can opt out of his contract. That would cause Irving to be an unrestricted free agent.
If Irving does opt out of his contract and become a free agent, it would allow him to have all the leverage against the Mavericks.
Irving can then demand a significant amount of money from the Mavericks to return to the team. Now, in June, the Mavericks must focus on whatever it takes to keep Irving in Dallas. While all signs are pointing to him remaining with the Mavericks, it's undeniable that he has tons of leverage heading into these negotiations.
The Mavericks' backcourt would be awful without him, and they know this.
The Mavericks can be desperate to potentially overpay Irving if he does opt out due to having Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and soon-to-be Flagg on the roster. If Irving leaves Dallas, it can put the Mavericks' future in doubt.
The unfortunate truth for the Mavericks surrounding Irving is that he won't play a majority of the 2025-26 season due to coming off an ACL tear. Even with Irving still expected to miss a chunk of next season, he is still a dynamic player and will be needed on the roster to make the Mavericks a winning team. Winning the lottery to get Flagg is just as valuable for the Mavericks as keeping Irving, and they won't be able to contend for a title without Irving.
Being a young 19-year-old, Flagg will need a player to help mentor him. With his NBA experience and leadership that he provided for Doncic before being traded, Irving can be a perfect mentor for Flagg.
Before getting injured, Irving was spectacular in the 2024-25 season. Irving recorded 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. When Doncic was traded, Irving took over and became the dynamic scorer on Dallas' roster. Irving's rise offensively helped him make the ninth NBA All-Star Game of his career.
Eventually, the Mavericks will be Flagg's team in the future. However, having dynamic players on the team can help elevate a young player like Flagg.
Now, the Mavericks will be in a desperate position to keep Irving to have him play with Flagg if Irving opts out of his current contract. For more on Irving and the Mavericks, stay tuned.