Kyrie Irving returning to the Mavericks this offseason was widely considered the most likely scenario for the eight-time All-Star. Even so, in the lead-up to NBA free agency—which opened Friday evening—multiple reports indicated that he would be exploring other options, even as the market for his services seemed relatively small.
The Lakers, led by Irving’s fellow former Cavaliers star LeBron James, had been linked to him for a year. On Thursday, it was reported that Irving would meet with the Suns, even though he’d have to take a significant pay cut or have Phoenix agree to a sign-and-trade to land him. Even as late as Friday, he was reportedly set to meet with the Rockets, according to The Athletic‘s Kelly Iko, and was even connected to the 76ers by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst during an appearance on Get Up.
Despite all of that conjecture, just 45 minutes into free agency, The Athletic‘s Shams Charania reported Irving’s return to Dallas on a three-year, $126 million deal.
So what happened with those reported meetings? The point guard’s agent and stepmother Shetellia Riley Irving told CBS Sports’ Bill Reiter that the team intended to meet with other teams, but Dallas’s offer was lucrative enough to make them change course.
“We planned to take the meetings but decided that Dallas would be our place,” she said, per Reiter.
Evidently, Irving is happy with the work that his team did in free agency. Shortly after the deal was reported, he took to thank Riley Irving and Drederick Irving, his father and business manager, for helping negotiate the contract.
“Big Shoutout to My Agent Shetellia Riley Irving and My business manager Drederick Irving, who did a great job throughout the whole entire process,” Irving tweeted. “Thank you A11EVEN MANAGEMENT FIRM.”
Irving, who first landed with Dallas after being traded by the Nets in February, averaged 27 points and six assists in 20 games for the team in 2023.
