Kyrie Irving is one of the top NBA free agents this summer, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks expected to pursue him on the open market. However, the All-Star point guard reportedly has a strong preference for where he’ll play next.
Dallas acquired Irving in February, trading Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney Smith, two second-round picks and an unprotected 2029 first-round selection to acquire him. The move was made to improves the Mavericks’ championship hopes, but they didn’t even make the play-in tournament.
- Kyrie Irving stats (2022-’23): 27.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 49.4% FG
Related: NBA insider reveals likelihood of Kyrie Irving signing with Lakers
Irving is eligible for a supermax contract this summer, potentially up to $272 million over five years. He is expected to test the open market, allowing him to evaluate his options and see what other teams are willing to offer. However, there’s an overwhelming favorite to sign him.
Appearing on #thisleague UNCUT, NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that Irving wants to re-sign with Dallas for a very specific reason.
“He’s tired of the narrative that he’s trying to get his, you know, force his way to the Lakers.”
Marc Stein on Kyrie Irving’s desire to re-sign with Dallas Mavericks
Stein’s reporting tracks with recent rumors out of Dallas. Irving has reportedly pushed for the Mavericks to acquire LeBron James, wanting to create an All-Star trio with Luka Doncic. It’s not viewed as a realistic option, which led many to assume that Irving would ultimately sign with the Lakers this summer.
Instead, Irving seems to be prioritizing a situation that is both best for him financially and goes against the narrative that he only wants to play with the Lakers.
Related: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks not close on new contract
There is mutual interest from Dallas, especially after the franchise traded its first-round pick to acquire Irving. While the Irving-Doncic duo resulted in one of the worst defenses in the NBA last season, the Mavericks believe they can build around the two guards once Irving re-signs.
With the star guard unlikely to reunite with James and play for the Lakers, Los Angeles will turn its focus to re-signing Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.