After the 2022-23 NBA season ended without a playoff appearance for the Dallas Mavericks, the future of the franchise became a significant talking point, with no telling what superstar guard Kyrie Irving would do once he’s a free agent this summer.
Although there was a lot of buzz that he’d stay with the Mavericks and try to make the dynamic duo work with Luka Doncic, the rumors keep swirling leading up to the start of NBA free agency.
A ton of teams have been linked to Irving ahead of free agency, like the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, but it appears it may be a simple decision for the veteran guard.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, it’s uncertain what the market is for Irving right now, which leads to the assumption he’ll re-sign with the Mavericks.
“There’s not a clear market for Kyrie. … All that being said, it looks like Kyrie Irving will ultimately be back in Dallas.”
—@espn_macmahon on the free agent market for Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/5t8Po6g974
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 30, 2023
At this point, it seems like no one really knows what is going on with Irving, as he is about as unpredictable as any athlete, which could lead to a surprise once free agency starts on Friday afternoon.
Staying with the Mavericks makes the most sense for Irving, with the team clearly wanting him back and having the ability to play alongside one of the best players in the league.
Dallas might be a piece or two away from contending in the Western Conference, with Irving back in the fold.
However, joining the star-studded Suns is compelling, and possibly reuniting with superstar LeBron James in Los Angeles is intriguing, but whether those options are realistic remains to be seen.
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