JUST IN : As Kyrie Irving might become a free agency this summer if he so chooses, we’re predicting his next contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to tearing his ACL in March, he was set to get a passive salary from his player option, which is valued at over $43 million. It is anticipated that, should he remain in Dallas, his contract will resemble his most recent three-year, $120 million deal with a….

With the NBA offseason heating up, one of the league’s most dynamic and polarizing players, Kyrie Irving, might once again find himself at a career crossroads. The All-Star guard, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, has a decision to make this summer: exercise his lucrative player option or test the waters of free agency.

Irving’s current player option for the 2025–26 season is valued at just over $43 million, and before suffering a torn ACL in March, he was widely expected to pick up that option. The injury, however, adds a layer of uncertainty to both his recovery timeline and his contract negotiations moving forward.

A Look Back at His Last Deal

Irving signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Mavericks in the summer of 2023, which gave Dallas some much-needed firepower alongside Luka Dončić. When healthy, the duo proved to be one of the league’s most electrifying backcourts, propelling the Mavericks into contention in the Western Conference.

Despite the unfortunate injury late in the 2024–25 season, Irving’s impact on the floor—averaging over 24 points and 5 assists per game—has solidified his value when healthy. His veteran leadership, shot-making ability, and late-game poise are traits that can’t easily be replaced.

Predicting Kyrie’s Next Contract

Given the severity of an ACL injury and Irving’s age—he’ll turn 34 early next season—it’s unlikely he’ll land a max deal. But if he opts out and both sides are motivated to continue the partnership, a new contract could look similar in structure to his last one, albeit with potential adjustments for injury risk and cap flexibility.

Predicted Contract:
Three years, $100–110 million, possibly with partial guarantees or injury protection clauses built in.

This kind of deal would reward Irving for his on-court contributions while giving the Mavericks some financial breathing room in case his recovery takes longer than expected. A front-loaded structure or a team option in the final year could also be part of the package.

Why Dallas Still Makes Sense

For Irving, Dallas still represents the ideal environment: a superstar co-pilot in Dončić, a supportive front office, and a competitive Western Conference team. Despite the injury, league insiders believe the Mavericks are committed to keeping Irving in blue and silver, especially after coming so close to championship contention.

What Happens Next?

The ball is now in Kyrie’s court—literally and figuratively. He has until late June to make a decision on his player option. Whether he opts in and plays out the deal or renegotiates a longer-term extension, the Mavericks are expected to remain heavily involved in shaping the next chapter of his career.

Stay tuned as the situation develops.