Kyrie Turns Down $43M for Bigger Mavs Commitment

In a bold, calculated move, Kyrie Irving has officially declined his $43 million player option and instead committed to a 3-year, $119 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, per reports from Shams Charania.

The deal, which includes a player option in the 2027–28 season, represents mutual trust between the nine-time All-Star and the franchise that brought him back into contention.

What makes this deal even more significant is the timing. According to SportsCenter, Kyrie is currently rehabbing a torn ACL—an injury that would typically cool negotiations. But not this time. Dallas isn’t just extending a contract; they’re sending a message:

“We believe in Kyrie, injury or not.”

And Kyrie’s response? By declining a guaranteed $43M player option, he’s showing long-term belief in himself—and in what Dallas is building.

This isn’t just a salary negotiation. It’s a long-term alignment between a superstar and a franchise aiming for a championship window.