$42.9 million player option holds key to Mavericks' offseason

The Dallas Mavericks have had a tumultuous few months, but they are only getting started.

With the NBA Draft just around the corner, Dallas is ready to welcome Cooper Flagg, the presumed No. 1 overall pick. Flagg is set to pair up with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, with GM Nico Harrison’s vision of defense winning championships on full display.

However, the Mavericks are still waiting on what could be the most important piece of their offseason. In a recent Bleacher Report article, Dan Favale noted the top offseason priority for each NBA team, circling Kyrie Irving’s player option as the most important piece for Dallas. 

Irving holds a $42.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, and his decision to accept or opt out will loom large for the Mavericks. While the torn ACL he suffered in March will have a significant impact on next season, his future beyond 2026 is also up in the air.

If Irving opts into his massive contract for next season, the Mavericks will spend much of the season awaiting his return and hoping he looks like the same player he was before the injury. Of course, Irving also carries that risk, as he would enter unrestricted free agency in 2026 with limited action in his final year under contract.

While Irving leaving Dallas after the Luka Doncic trade seemed like a real possibility, his injury could sway him to go with a safer option. While opting in ensures another $42.9 million, opting out and signing a longer contract with the Mavericks could secure his long-term flexibility and ideally still get him a nice payday.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Irving has until June 24 to make his decision, and his choice will surely have a significant impact on the rest of the Mavericks’ offseason plans.