In the midst of a 2024-25 NBA season filled with unforeseen challenges, the injury to Kyrie Irving may have dealt the final blow to the Dallas Mavericks‘ title aspirations. The guard, who had been the team’s most impactful player this season, now faces an extended absence due to an ACL tear. As a result, the Mavericks have reportedly decided on a course of action regarding his future with the team.
“I think the goal is to keep Kyrie in Dallas as long as they can,” NBA insider Mike Curtis recently told Run It Back. “I think before the injury he was definitely on track for a max extension. And I think that’s still the case.”
Irving signed a three-year contract with the Mavericks in 2023, set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. This season, following the departure of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and the arrival of Anthony Davis, the 32-year-old guard remains the second-highest-paid player on the team, earning $41 million per year.
However, Irving is not expected to return from his ACL surgery until at least the start of next season, which marks the final year of his current contract. As a result, the Mavericks will need to make a decision on his future sooner if they wish to avoid losing one of their most important players.
What do the Mavericks executives think about Irving?
Mike Curtis provided further insight into the stance of Mavericks executives regarding Irving’s situation: “Even Nico (Harrison, Dallas’ General Manager) came out with a statement after it was confirmed that Kyrie tore his ACL, and he called him the heart and soul of this team,” Curtis recalled.
“I don’t think you just want to have a guy for a year and risk him leaving, not leaving again, but risk him leaving in free agency the year after,” Mike speculated. “So I think they want to lock him down as soon as they can.”
Kyrie could be key to Dallas’ future
During his two years with the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving has demonstrated his versatility and talent, adapting seamlessly to the challenges the franchise has faced. He was the second option behind Luka Doncic, contributing significantly to the team’s success during the 2023-24 season, when they reached the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
However, when the Mavs needed a leader, Irving delivered. A prime example of this was the early part of 2025, when Luka Doncic was sidelined due to injury and later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Irving stepped up, carrying the responsibility of leading the team during that stretch.
Looking ahead to Dallas’ rebuilding process for the next few seasons, they may rely on Irving to take on a larger role. As they aim to remain competitive in the Western Conference, Kyrie could serve as the creative force of the team, with Anthony Davis providing the defensive presence and offensive power necessary for a balanced roster.