NBA Execs: Mavs' Kyrie Irving Has 'Most Leverage' of Any Player after Luka Trade

Trading away Luka Dončić seemed to marry the Dallas Mavericks to Kyrie Irving at a time when the nine-time All-Star could become a free agent this summer.

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, NBA executives he spoke to unanimously cited Irving as the player with the "most leverage" heading into this offseason.

Irving signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Mavs in the summer of 2023. The deal includes a $43.96 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign.

Irving had some leverage at the time he signed that deal, because the Mavericks were coming off a season in which they tanked at the end of the year to keep their draft pick and there were questions about whether or not Dončić might end up seeking a trade if the team struggled again during the 2023-24 season.

The Mavs were able to rebound by making the NBA Finals, so it seemed like all was going to be well between the organization and its franchise player.

Things took a stunning turn this season when Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. General manager Nico Harrison has attempted to justify the deal by saying it has positioned them "to win now and also win in the future."

The plan doesn't really work without Irving, because they don't have another high-level ball-handler on the roster. Spencer Dinwiddie is a capable point guard, but he's not someone a team with championship aspirations should be relying on.

Marks noted Irving could sign a max contract worth up to $313 million over five years if he opts out this summer, but the more likely deal is a three-year, $176 million pact that matches the extension Anthony Davis signed in August.

The 32-year-old is averaging 24.6 points on 47.8 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in 44 starts this season.