Mavs Reportedly 'Leading Suitor' for D'Angelo Russell After Kyrie Irving Contract

Now that the Dallas Mavericks have Kyrie Irving locked in with a new contract, they can turn their attention toward adding another starting-caliber point guard while he recovers from a torn ACL.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavs are considered a "leading suitor" for D'Angelo Russell heading into the start of free agency.

Irving reportedly declined his $43 million player option for next season and will sign a three-year, $119 million deal to remain in Dallas.

That move benefits both Irving and the Mavs because he is getting an extra $76 million while also lowering his salary for next season to help the club get below the second apron.

Adding another point guard in free agency was always going to be a priority for Mavs general manager Nico Harrison. Their backups last season were Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum, both of whom are set to become free agents.

Irving had surgery on March 26 to repair the torn ACL he suffered in a game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3. The nine-time All-Star is hoping to return in January.

While that would be a good outcome for the Mavs, they still need someone to start at point guard from October through December. If Irving is eased back in given the severity of the injury, having a high-level backup with extensive starting experience is critical.

Dallas will also want a point guard capable of running the offense in such a way that it helps maximize the early development of projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Russell would perfectly fit that bill as a 10-year veteran with 629 career games under his belt. The 29-year-old is coming off a down season in 2024-25 split between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 12.6 points on 39.0 percent shooting and 5.1 assists per game in 51 appearances.