Luka Dončić Hopes Kyrie Irving Signs New Mavericks Contract: 'It's a Great Fit'
Despite the disappointing finish to the 2022-23 season, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić hopes the team can re-sign point guard Kyrie Irving this summer so they can continue developing their partnership.
"He's a great player. He just wants peace. It's a great fit," Dončić told reporters on Sunday. "I wish we can continue that chemistry, relationship—it won't happen in a day, a week."
Irving is set to become a free agent this offseason, and it's expected that he will test the waters to see what other options are available to him. However, he can make the most money by sticking with the Mavs, as they own his Bird rights and can offer him a max contract of $272 million over five years.
Dallas closed out the regular season with a 138-117 loss to the San Antonio Spurs as Dončić, Irving and the rest of the regular rotation sat out. The Mavs finished the year with a 38-44 record, going 9-18 after Irving made his debut with the team after he was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in February.
While Dallas struggled with chemistry issues and inept defense, Dončić and Irving proved to be a dangerous duo. There were instances in which they looked like the most potent backcourt tandem in the league, but there wasn't enough around them for the team to be successful.
Dončić's comments echoed those of Mavs head coach Jason Kidd, who told reporters on Thursday, "Those two are meant to be together. It just takes time."
Dallas has much to address this offseason if it hopes to keep Dončić happy, as ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on Saturday that "fear exists" within the organization that he'd request a trade if the team doesn't contend for a title next season.
The 24-year-old is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, so it would be wise for the Mavs to improve his supporting cast they hope to avoid another disappointing finish. Keeping Irving in the fold would be a step in the right direction.
