Kyrie Irving is poised to become one of the top NBA free agents this summer. As he prepares to enter the open market, the veteran point guard is reportedly seeking something specific when determining the next step in his career.
Irving, an eight-time All-Star selection, has bounced around the league fairly frequently in recent years. He spent multi-year stints with the Boston Celtics (2017-’19) and Brooklyn Nets (2019-’23), engineering his departure from both franchises each time.
Related: Kyrie Irving wants to sign with one specific team this summer
- Kyrie Irving stats (2022-’23): 27.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 49.4% FG
After being traded to the Dallas Mavericks midway through the 2022-’23 season, Irving now has complete control over his future. Already one of the highest-paid NBA players of his era, the 31-year-old can both set himself up for the future financially and find a strong fit for him.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Irving intends to take meetings when NBA free agency opens in July. When he sits down with teams, the All-Star guard wants to find a club that fits with him and where he’ll be comfortable for the remainder of his career.
“What’s important to Kyrie Irving, from what I’m told, he wants to find a place where he can spend the rest o his career, the place that feels like home.”
Ramona Shelburne on what Kyrie Irving is looking for in free agency
The approach would likely take a team like the Los Angeles Lakers out of the running, with the front office unwilling to make a long-term commitment to Irving. It could also narrow his suitors, with NBA teams weary of making the kind of multi-year commitment that he wants.
It all adds further credibility to the growing belief that the Mavericks will re-sign Irving. While it doesn’t mean Dallas is willing to offer him the five-year max contract, the organization has stated its strong desire to retain Irving after what it gave up for him at the NBA trade deadline.
If Irving truly intends for his next contract to be the last big deal in his career, it makes it all the more likely that he’ll be spending the next four-plus seasons in Dallas. While that will allow the Mavericks to maintain their All-Star guard combo of Irving and Luka Doncic, it will also raise questions about just how long Doncic is willing to stay with the team.