Even though he holds a player option for next season, it’s unlikely Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will test the free agent market, Tim MacMahon of ESPN said on the latest edition of the Hoops Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM). MacMahon expects the two sides to reach a long-term agreement that will keep Irving in Dallas.
“He has a $42MM player option,” MacMahon said. “Look, I’m not telling you exactly how it will work out. My guess is he’ll end up declining that player option. But what I would say is I would be extremely surprised if Kyrie Irving is not in Dallas for the next few years. The Mavericks have already demonstrated that they are willing to pay, not market value, because they could have quote unquote won the negotiations with him. Remember, they were criticized for giving him the contract because nobody else (would).”
After a few uneasy years in Boston and Brooklyn, Irving has found stability since the Mavericks traded for him midway through the 2022/23 season. He’s continuing to perform at an All-Star level at age 32, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists through 14 games, and he has an important role off the court as well.
“The point is they have demonstrated, ‘We value you and we will pay you how much we value you within the ability to have a little bit of wiggle room financially,'” MacMahon added. “They are going to put a big number on the table for him. He has been extremely happy in Dallas. They are extremely happy with him. He’s the leader of this locker room. That’s unquestioned. And, right now, he is playing as well as he ever has. Certainly as efficient as he ever has.”
There’s more from Dallas:
- Boating enthusiast Klay Thompson admits he’s encountered some “rough waters” during his first season with the Mavs, but he’s confident things will get better, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoop Journal. In 15 games, Thompson is averaging 14.0 PPG while shooting 39.7% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, but he knows the team is counting on more from him. “I’m so grateful to be playing every night and to be healthy,” Thompson said. “That’s why the shooting nights when I’m off don’t bother me as much anymore. It’s a long season, and I know there are bigger nights ahead.”
- The Mavericks will need production from other players while Luka Doncic is sidelined with a wrist injury, notes Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. It’s already the fourth injury for Doncic since training camp opened, and he has been ruled out for at least the next four games. “Pretty much just the same mindset: Next man up,” Daniel Gafford said. “Just be ready to guard the best man or just have the best man guard you. It’s going to be a lot on Kai (Irving). It’s going to be a lot on Klay, but I feel like we’ve done a pretty good job whenever Luka has been off the floor.”
- Even though points matter for tie-breakers in the NBA Cup, Dallas didn’t try to keep scoring in the closing seconds of Tuesday’s 132-91 win over New Orleans, according to Dwain Price of Mavs.com. “That’s not what this game is all about or the tournament is all about,” coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s playing the game the right way. They’ve got a lot of injuries over there. We’re not trying to embarrass anybody. We’re not looking to score again. We scored 132 points. That’s enough points.”
I cannot believe Nico Harrison saw Luka and Kyrie and this roster and went “you know what this team needs? Klay and Dinwiddie, two washed up guys who play zero defense”.
Wouldn’t say wash up but bench players now. Mavs problem was letting their best defensive player leave. Luka plays no defense so unless Washington is in the staring lineup the defense is compromised. Thompson can still shoot but his defense is below par now.
I know youre Dub Nation but cmon man, Klay been washed since his injuries. His last stand was the 2022 season he only played a third of a season of and even then he needed Poole there to offset his washed up shooting. 37% from 3 from Klay “second best shooter of all time” is pathetic, especially considering Steph is shooting 44% right now.
At best Klay is late career Kyle Korver now. Klay is never putting up 60 points or even 40 ever again. He should be on 10-15 MPG not 30+. Dallas is gunna finish bottom 6 because of this horrible offseason.
Why is someone who claims to be Dub Nation even posting on a MFFL related thread in the first place other than to troll Thompson.
Davey,, IMO, the interesting story here is how Dallas persuaded themselves that Klay was exactly the player he clearly proved not to be last year.
So far, Klay HAS performED exactly as GSW fans would expect. The problem is that the Dallas org and fans are STILL expecting him to play much better. When they finally accept that he won’t, it could get ugly for Klay.
I think hes underperformed what he would have off the bench for the Ws. He still would have been in the system he played his whole career in. Although with his extra cold starts lately he wouldnt be shooting good till a short scorch in feb.
He is bad defensively, but he was exposed worse on the Warriors where he would lose his man and then you have a bunch of young players over helping and putting the team in rotation way to frequently. This year they are locked in on their man or switching. This has led to them going from allowing 36% from 3 last season to a league best 31% this year.