Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving has had a significant impact since arriving in Dallas during the 2023 trade deadline.
However, with possible changes looming on the roster, notably the Mavericks landing the No. 1 overall pick with a chance to select Cooper Flagg, Irving's injury leaves his future in limbo.
During an appearance on the DLLS Mavericks Podcast, NBA Insider Marc Stein assured fans where Irving stands within the organization.
"I don't hear anyone forecasting scenarios where Kyrie Irving is no longer a Maverick. I haven't heard one scenario presented where he ends up with another team, but I also don't have a handy projection for how this contract will turn out during the season. The whispers that were going around were that the Mavs would like to do a three-year deal in the 40 a year range. So, a three-year deal that was 120 again.”
Stein added that two significant developments have changed Irving's role with the team.
“The circumstances have changed in two significant ways. On one hand, Kyrie Irving is the only elite, proven guard on this roster. And with Luka Dončić no longer here, his value to the Mavericks has theoretically skyrocketed. But on the flip side, of course, as everyone knows, in early March, he sustained an ACL tear… is it January? Is it February? Predicting how this plays out—I wish I were that smart."
Irving was brought to the Mavericks to pair in the backcourt with Luka Doncic, and the two found great success together, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. However, the Donic trade in the middle of last season altered the franchise's direction.
Currently, Irving is rehabbing an ACL tear that he suffered in the middle of the last season. Without Irving, the team finished with a 39-43 record and ultimately lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
When healthy, the 33-year-old point guard remains one of the best in the league, dominating the game with his elite ball-handling.
The Mavericks will look to run things back with a healthy Irving, along with Anthony Davis and top draft pick Cooper Flagg.