Jason Kidd gives an update on Kyrie Irving - “If I was a betting man, I guess he would be back”
With the Dallas Mavericks' season coming to an end, Kyrie Irving and doubts regarding his future with the team will become a pressing concern. However, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd appears to be confident in Irving's desire to stay.
The Mavericks' season came to an unlikely end with their most recent loss against the Chicago Bulls. After going on a 1-4 streak in their last five games, it was evident that the Mavs were cruising for elimination.
Needless to say, the outcome was shocking to say the least. As one of the top teams at the midway point of the season, the Mavericks practically fell apart after the trade deadline. The pairing of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was expected to take the league by storm. Unfortunately, it resulted in turbulence in Dallas.
Regardless of the situation, the Mavs will reportedly pursue signing Irving next season. Although Dallas plans on moving in on Irving, there is also plenty of doubt regarding Irving's decision.
However, head coach Jason Kidd appears fairly convinced on the guard's desire to stay. While speaking to the media about Kyrie's chances of returning next season, he said:
"If I was a betting man, I guess I would say he would be back. Why would I say he wouldn't? Confident? Is that too strong? I think [Mark] Cuban made that clear. He's the number one priority to have him come back. So I would second that."
"If I was a betting man, I guess I would say he would be back. Why would I say he wouldn't?"
Mavs coach Jason Kidd on Kyrie Irving
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Kidd was also asked to give an estimate on what the Mavs would be willing to pay Irving. He evaded the question, saying that he left such matters to the management.
Irving, who is expecting the max salary, is eligible to receive a five-year deal from Dallas. However, whether the Mavs will extend such a long-term deal to the superstar is a matter of some speculation.
Kyrie Irving may remain in Dallas
Although there has been enough buzz about Kyrie Irving being on the outs next season, the guard may just opt to stay in Dallas.
There are several factors that could influence Irving's decision. The most common (and compelling) argument in favor of him staying hinges on the Dallas Mavericks' offer. Should the Mavs give Irving a long-term deal, there appears to be no reason for Irving to turn it down.
Rumors linking Kyrie to the LA Lakers are also a bit of a stretch as they depend on the Lakers' plans to re-sign D'Angelo Russell. On the monetary front, Dallas is Irving's best bet.
The Mavericks will also be more motivated to sign Kyrie Irving with concerns growing over Luka Doncic's desire to stay in Dallas. In such a scenario, the Mavs would want to motivate their superstar by pairing him with big name talent.
There are no apparent issues between Doncic and Irving off the floor. If the oncourt issues are mainly growing pains, the Mavs would be best served by letting the two develop chemistry over a period of time.
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