In a significant move that underscores the Dallas Mavericks' commitment to their core roster, nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving has declined his $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season and is set to sign a new three-year, $119 million contract with the franchise. This development, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on June 24, 2025, solidifies Irving's long-term future in Dallas despite his ongoing recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in March.
Irving, 33, who underwent surgery on March 26 following the injury he suffered against the Sacramento Kings, is expected to miss a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. The new deal, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, will pay him approximately $40 million annually, slightly lower than his previous salary. This adjustment allows the Mavericks to unlock a $5.7 million mid-level exception, providing valuable cap flexibility to pursue additional roster reinforcements, particularly in the guard position, while Irving rehabs.
Last season, Irving demonstrated why he remains a vital piece for Dallas by averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 50 games. He also shot an impressive 40.1% from beyond the arc and maintained a 91.6% free throw percentage, showcasing his offensive prowess. His performance earned him his ninth All-Star selection in 2025, further cementing his status as one of the league's premier talents.
The Mavericks' offseason moves have been strategic and ambitious. Just a day before Irving's decision, Dallas secured center Daniel Gafford on a three-year, $54 million contract, reinforcing their frontcourt depth. These signings come on the heels of a franchise-altering trade earlier in the year, which sent star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. That trade, while controversial among fans, was part of a broader plan to reshape the Mavericks' identity around a new core group centered on Irving and newly acquired All-NBA big man Anthony Davis.
Davis, who joined Dallas in the blockbuster trade, has also faced injury setbacks, suffering an adductor strain in his debut. The duo of Irving and Davis only shared the court for one game before injuries sidelined them both. Despite these challenges, the Mavericks remain optimistic about their potential, especially after an unexpected victory in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. With less than a 2% chance, Dallas secured the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, an unprecedented achievement in franchise history.
The anticipated selection is Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward who garnered national college Player of the Year honors and is widely regarded as a generational talent. Flagg is projected to sign a four-year, $62.7 million rookie contract, adding youthful energy and promise to the Mavericks' evolving roster. Alongside Irving and Davis, Flagg is expected to form the foundation of Dallas' future championship aspirations.
Supporting this core are several other key players under contract or with team options, including Klay Thompson through 2026-27, Dereck Lively II with team options for the next two seasons, and Max Christie and Caleb Martin, both holding player options for 2027-28. These roster components provide a blend of veteran experience and emerging talent, positioning Dallas for a competitive window starting as early as the 2026-27 season.
The timeline for the Mavericks' resurgence hinges on Irving's recovery and return to form. The franchise hopes to see the 33-year-old guard back on the court by January 2026, approximately 10 months after his ACL surgery. This cautious optimism is a bet on Irving's rehabilitation and ability to regain his elite level of play, which was evident when he averaged 30.7 points in the seven games between Davis' injury and his own in March.
Irving's new contract not only reflects his value to the Mavericks but also the organization's faith in his leadership and skill as they navigate a post-Dončić era. The extended deal provides stability and clarity for Dallas as they prepare for the NBA Draft on June 25, 2025, and plan their roster moves for the upcoming season.
While the Mavericks finished the 2024-25 season as the No. 10 seed and missed the playoffs, the combination of retaining Irving, integrating Davis, and adding Flagg through the draft signals a bold attempt to return to championship contention. This strategy is further supported by savvy contract management and targeted signings like Gafford's, which bolster the team's depth and versatility.
Irving's decision to decline his player option and commit to a longer-term deal with Dallas is the first among several veterans facing similar choices before the June 30 deadline. His move sets the tone for the Mavericks' offseason and their vision of building a competitive roster capable of challenging the NBA's elite in the coming years.
In sum, the Dallas Mavericks have taken a decisive step in securing their star guard's services for the foreseeable future, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a new era with promising young talent and a redefined team identity. With Irving, Davis, and Flagg at the helm, the Mavericks are poised to embark on a journey that could restore them as a formidable force in the NBA.
