Kyrie Irving secured a three-year, $126 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks as the 2023 NBA free agency began. Speculation and rumors surrounding Irving’s future were finally laid to rest when the Mavericks offered him a significant contract, putting an end to months of uncertainty.
The decision sparked criticism, with outspoken analyst Bill Simmons openly ridiculing both Irving and the Mavericks over the agreement.
In response, Irving didn’t hold back, directly calling out Simmons for what he deemed an unnecessary and unwarranted remark.
Despite the controversy, Dallas successfully retained a key player by securing Irving with this lucrative deal. The team, however, struggled to find success on the court, managing only an 8-12 record with Irving during the 2022-23 NBA season.
To bolster their chances of contention, the Mavericks must continue building around Irving and Luka Doncic, aiming to assemble a roster capable of chasing a championship.
Adding to their lineup, Dallas signed Seth Curry to a two-year contract, enhancing their offensive potential.
While this move could prove beneficial for the Mavericks, it also comes with risks, including the possibility of Luka Doncic growing frustrated and seeking a trade if the team fails to achieve success during his partnership with Irving.