There have been plenty of rumors afoot that the Lakers will try to land Kyrie Irving this summer, especially with LeBron James hinting at retirement.
Many NBA Insiders believe that LeBron is using the retirement card as leverage to get the player he wants, namely Irving.
If that is the case, Dallas may not allow this to happen.
If the Lakers did want Irving, they would need to implement a sign-and-trade deal with the Mavs because of cap space and Irving most likely seeking a max contract.
However, Dallas are holding firm on retaining the 12-season NBA veteran and aren’t interested in any deal headlined by an out-of-form D’Angelo Russell.
“While we await a clear indication about the Lakers’ intentions there, with no verifiable signal to date that pursuing Irving is among their offseason priorities, league sources say that the Mavericks would have no interest in a sign-and-trade with the Lakers that features D’Angelo Russell as the primary Dallas-bound player,” NBA Insider Marc Stein wrote. “All indications are that the Mavericks remain intent on re-signing Irving.”
Despite Luka Doncic and Irving’s shortcomings since the February trade, Dallas seem determined to make it work.
It may also be to do with the fact that the Mavs gave up crucial pieces to land Irving, including Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith as well as their 2027 second-round pick, 2029 first-round pick (unprotected) and 2029 second round-pick.
So it makes sense that the franchise wants to make use of the 31-year-old as best they can.
Though they’ll potentially be paying a hefty five-year, $272.92 million maximum contract if he re-signs.
The most any other franchise would be able to offer Irving if he enters free agency is four years and $201.67 million.
Also, apologies in advance to Kyrie who pleaded for everyone to stop speculating about his future. Even though he went to two Lakers playoffs games at Crypto.com arena this postseason.
Guess when you’re the biggest name in free agency over the summer people are going to want to talk about you…