Oakley thinks Carmelo should leave New York: ‘He deserves better’

Kyrie Irving can become a free agent in 2025 if he declines his $42 million player option for the 25-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks. Regardless of the mechanics of what happens with his contract, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon considers it highly likely that Irving remains with the Mavericks long-term.

“He has a $42 million player option,” said MacMahon on Friday’s Hoop Collective podcast. “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.

“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.’ 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.”

The Mavericks acquired Irving at the trade deadline in 2023 and the subsequently agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract in free agency with a player option in Year 3.

“Things would have to take a real turn for it to be a situation where Kyrie is not part of the Mavericks moving forward,” added MacMahon. “I don’t see that as a realistic option for either side. Everybody’s happy.”