Dusty May Explains Signing Mavs Contract, Kyrie Irving's Impact on His 1st Year as NBA HC

After leaving Michigan to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, Dusty May revealed one of the keys that drew him to the job.

While speaking to reporters on Monday, May said that he felt the Mavs "checked all the boxes" for him to make the jump to the NBA, and he candidly admitted, "No-tax state doesn't hurt."

May led Michigan to the 2026 national championship before new Mavs president Masai Ujiri tabbed him as the replacement for former head coach Jason Kidd. He will now be tasked with leading the development of 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, and Dallas used the No. 9 pick in this year's draft to select one of his former Wolverines, Morez Johnson.

Despite the youth movement in Dallas, May made it clear that he's looking forward to working with veteran point guard Kyrie Irving this season.

"Kyrie knows what it takes to win a championship, so as a first-time NBA coach, I'm gonna lean on him in a lot of areas," May told reporters.

The Mavs reportedly received trade interest in Irving earlier this offseason, but if they retain him, his presence would certainly help facilitate things for May in his first year at the helm.