Kyrie Irving Chooses Stability, Signs Three-Year Deal To Stay In Dallas

After months of speculation, swirling trade rumors, and uncertainty surrounding his future, Kyrie Irving is staying right where he wants to be — in Dallas.

Sources have confirmed that the All-Star guard has declined his $43 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season and will instead sign a new three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks worth a whopping $119 million. The agreement includes a player option in the third year, giving Irving some flexibility while keeping him in a Mavericks uniform for the foreseeable future.

This move eliminates any drama heading into free agency, reinforcing Irving’s commitment to Dallas and, more importantly, Dallas’ unwavering faith in him.

A Relationship Built on Trust

The new contract was hammered out between the Mavericks’ front office and Irving’s longtime agent — and stepmother — Shetellia Riley Irving. According to sources close to the negotiations, both sides were focused on continuity, legacy building, and mutual trust, especially after a turbulent 2024-25 season that saw Irving’s year end prematurely due to a torn ACL in March.

Despite his injury, Irving made it clear to ESPN on Tuesday that he sees his long-term future in Dallas. “I want to build something here — something that lasts,” Irving said. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about what we can do together as a team, as a city, and as a culture.”

The Injury and the Gamble

There’s no sugarcoating the risk: Kyrie Irving is 33 years old and coming off a major injury. ACL tears are serious, and for a player whose game relies on agility, quick changes of direction, and elite ball-handling, the road back will be challenging.

Still, Irving and the Mavericks are both betting that his best basketball is not behind him. In fact, Dallas believes his return could power a serious championship run, especially considering the new pieces the team has assembled around him.

Before the injury, Irving was having a strong season. In 50 games, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while continuing to shoot the ball at an elite clip. He was the only player in the NBA to average over 20 points while shooting at least 40% from beyond the arc and 90% from the free-throw line during the 2024-25 campaign.

New Era, New Stars

Irving’s value to the Mavericks has only increased since the franchise made the shocking decision to trade away five-time All-NBA guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. That controversial midseason blockbuster sent shockwaves through the league and provoked outrage among Mavs fans, who weren’t ready to say goodbye to their superstar.

In return, Dallas received All-Star big man Anthony Davis, promising guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. But it was Kyrie Irving who had to steady the ship. Over the next 10 games before his injury, he averaged 28.1 points and 4.1 assists while logging nearly 40 minutes a night. More than that, he became the leader the locker room needed.

He brought calm. He brought confidence. And most of all, he brought clarity during chaos.

A Quiet Star’s Impact

While Irving’s off-court reputation has sometimes been labeled “mercurial,” his time in Dallas has been marked by a maturity and professionalism that has earned him respect throughout the organization.

Teammates rave about his leadership. Coaches rely on his experience. And the front office, led by general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd, have continued to vouch for him as not just a player — but as the heart of the team.

The Mavericks’ confidence in Irving is rooted in relationships. Harrison, formerly a top executive at Nike, has known Irving for years. Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard himself, understands what it means to guide a team under pressure. Assistant coach God Shammgod, a fellow ball-handling wizard, is another familiar face who has helped keep Irving grounded and focused.

These relationships matter. They’ve helped create a support system in Dallas that has allowed Irving to thrive both on and off the court.

Post-Dončić Identity and the New Look Mavericks

The departure of Dončić created a vacuum — both in talent and identity. But the Mavericks are not standing still.

This summer, the franchise is expected to draft Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, adding a young, high-upside star to the mix. Flagg, a 6’9″ forward with a versatile skillset, is widely regarded as a franchise cornerstone. Pairing him with Anthony Davis and a healthy Kyrie Irving gives the Mavericks a unique trio that blends experience, size, and star power.

The organization is also managing its cap space strategically. Signing Irving to this particular deal opens up the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, giving Dallas a tool to pursue key rotation players.

Potential targets for that midlevel slot include experienced guards like Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon — all capable of shouldering minutes early in the season while Irving recovers.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

Despite only playing 50 of 82 games in 2024-25, Irving’s impact was undeniable. The Mavericks posted a 28-22 record when he suited up, but went just 11-21 without him. His presence not only stabilized the backcourt but also unlocked the offense in ways no one else on the roster could replicate.

His shooting numbers remain elite — he ranked fourth in the league in catch-and-shoot three-point percentage among players with at least 150 attempts, per GeniusIQ. Over the past two seasons, only Irving and Stephen Curry have averaged 25 points while shooting 40% from three and 90% from the line.

When healthy, he’s in rare company.

Betting on Health and Legacy

Irving’s deal is not just about money — it’s about legacy. He could have waited, tested the open market, and potentially secured a larger annual salary. Some executives believed he would have commanded $50-60 million per year had he stayed healthy.

Instead, Irving chose security, fit, and the chance to build something special in Dallas.

He knows he’ll miss the start of the 2025-26 season, but he’s targeting a return by January. If all goes well, the second half of the season could feature a full-strength Mavericks team led by Irving, Davis, and Flagg — a trio that combines wisdom, power, and youth.

A Calculated Risk with High Reward

Dallas isn’t ignoring the risk. Since the 2018-19 season, Irving hasn’t played more than 65 games in a year. Injuries, suspensions, and personal leaves have dotted his career. But since arriving in Dallas, he has brought consistency, effort, and leadership — and the front office is confident that this investment will pay off.

That belief isn’t based on hope — it’s built on results.

Irving’s initial arrival in 2023 came via a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. At the time, Dallas gave up Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks. It was seen as a gamble, but one the Mavericks felt they had to take after losing Jalen Brunson to free agency and falling short in their search for a co-star to support Dončić.

Now, two years later, that gamble looks like it may be the foundation of a new Mavericks dynasty.

Source: Sources: Mavs’ Kyrie Irving intends to sign 3-year, $119M deal

The Future of the Mavericks

With Irving re-signed, Davis in the fold, and Flagg expected to arrive soon, the Mavericks are transitioning into a new chapter. It’s no longer Dončić’s team — it’s a shared vision now.

Irving’s re-commitment gives the franchise stability, direction, and a chance to compete in a wide-open Western Conference.

Fans who were devastated by the Dončić trade are beginning to buy in, and the front office is building a roster designed for both the present and future.

In the end, Kyrie Irving chose not to chase the biggest contract possible — he chose purpose, loyalty, and legacy. And Dallas, in return, is giving him the keys to the franchise.

Only time will tell how far this partnership will go. But one thing is clear: both sides are all in.