Kyrie Irving ends speculation over NBA future by signing £99m contract

30 June 2023 , 22:59

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Kyrie Irving ends speculation over NBA future by signing £99m contract

Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving has agreed to stay with the team on a three-year, $126 million (£99m) contract, including a player option in the third season. It dispels any rumours of the 31-year-old joining the Phoenix Suns or Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving initially was linked with the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets and was expected to meet with the Suns to discuss the possibility of reuniting with former Brooklyn Nets teammate and friend Kevin Durant. It is unknown if he met with any of the linked teams.

Irving's free agency business was facilitated by his agent and stepmother, Shetellia Riley Irving, who made history by becoming the first Black woman to negotiate and complete an NBA contract.

Following the news, Irving tweeted: "Big Shoutout to My Agent Shetellia Riley Irving and My business manager Drederick Irving, who did a great job throughout the whole entire process. Thank you A11EVEN MANAGEMENT FIRM."

Irving was eligible for a five-year, $272 million (£215m) extension with the Mavericks but has signed a shorter deal, keeping his options open for the last year of his new contract, which is set to expire in 2026..

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Irving is an eight-time NBA All-Star point guard who also won an NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 alongside LeBron James. He was originally traded to the Mavericks following a trade request from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and two second-round picks last February.

In 20 games with the Mavericks, Irving averaged 27 points per game, along with six assists and five rebounds.

Irving will remain with the Mavericks (Getty Images)

Throughout the NBA Playoffs, Irving was spotted in attendance for both Lakers and LA Sparks games, generating interest that that pair would reunite in LA- forming a big three with Anthony Davis. LeBron James had even pushed for the Lakers to sign Irving in the trade window earlier in the year.

Those tables were turned when Irving made a trade demand of his own. According to multiple reports, Irving urged his team's front office to bring in James to form a deadly triple-threat alongside himself and Luka Doncic.

That dream still remains a distant possibility with James keen to keep playing in the NBA until he can lineup alongside his son Bronny. He has a player option in the 2024-25 campaign and depending on where, and if, Bronny is drafted, James could well depart the Lakers.

Rory Robinson