Mavericks face contract dilemma due to Kyrie Irving’s hot start, NBA Insider says

Kyrie Irving is in his second full season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Irving can opt out of his $43.9 million player option for the 2026 season at the end of this campaign, leaving some wondering about his future.

However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested the eight-time All-Star isn’t looking to go anywhere, but with a caveat.

“The way he plays is so strong,” Windhorst said. “I think he wants to stay in Dallas, but they’re going to have to pay him.”

Tim MacMahon, also from ESPN, elaborated on the situation Brian Windhorst and Hoop Collective podcast, saying Irving is “extremely happy” in Dallas and the team sees him as a “locker room leader.”

“They’re going to put a big number on the table for him,” MacMahon said. “He’s been extremely happy in Dallas, they’ve been really happy with him. He’s the leader of this locker room, there’s no question about that, and right now he’s playing as well as he’s ever done.”

After controversial hires with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, Irving has seemingly found a forever home in Dallas.

Irving helped lead the Mavs back to the Finals in his first full season with the team and is off to a very strong start, averaging 24.3 points on 54.5% shooting, including 53.8% shooting from three-point range in his first 14 games.

Irving appears to have a good relationship with Luka Dončić, Mavs coach Jason Kidd, owner Mark Cuban, general manager Nico Harrison and several other people in the organization, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he were to extend his stay in Dallas.

However, an underwhelming playoff game could suddenly change the mood around the team.

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