! Irving cuts his salary and renews his contract with the Mavericks, talking about his comeback: he only wants to return to the arena in a 200% state

On July 7, the Dallas Mavericks officially announced that they had completed a contract renewal with Kyrie Irving, and wrote: "Irving stays here, Dallas loves you." This news ended the outside world's speculation about where Irving was going, and also marked the Mavericks' official entry into a new chapter of the "post-Doncic era".

According to famous reporter Shams Charania, Irving refused to execute the $43 million player option in the 2025-26 season, and instead signed a new three-year, $119 million contract with the Mavericks, of which the 2027-28 season was the player option. The average annual salary of this contract is about $40 million, a decrease from his original maximum salary expectations, but ensures his stability in the next few years.

More importantly, Irving's salary cut allowed the Mavericks to unlock a $5.7 million mini middle class special case, allowing the team to continue to strengthen in the free market. Previously, they had signed Tangiero Russell with some middle class, who will serve as starting point guard while Irving was recovering from injury.

Irving suffered a torn ACL ligament in his left knee in early March and was subsequently reimbursed for the season. In a recent interview, Irving said that he "don't want to predict when he will come back, he just wants to return at 200%. So I'm taking my time now and really getting my body back to health" and emphasized that the recovery process requires patience.

Medical experts generally believe that the recovery period of ACL tear is about 9-12 months, and it is optimistic that Irving may return to the arena around January 2026.

The Mavericks are obviously ready for a long wait. Team general manager Nico Harrison said: "Kyri's health is our top priority and we will not rush to get him back." At the same time, the team has upgraded the training facilities and hired a professional rehabilitation team to assist Irving in recovery.

While Irving recovered, Russell will serve as the starting point guard for the Mavericks. The 29-year-old defender joins on a two-year contract of 13 million, and is expected to form the starting lineup with Klay Thompson, Mattas Flagg, Anthony Davis and Drake Lefly in the early stages of the new season.

Russell has proved his organizational ability in the Lakers, Nets and other teams. He averaged 12 points + 5 assists per game last season, and his three-point shooting percentage was 36%. His arrival can not only fill Irving's vacancy, but also transform into a super sixth player after the latter returns and enhance the bench firepower.

Irving's contract renewal marks the Mavericks' formal establishment of the core framework for the future:

Irving (contract to 2028)

Damnormal Eyebrow (contract to 2028)

Frager (2025 No. 1 pick)

This combination has both explosive scoring power, defensive dominance and youthful potential. If you remain healthy, the Mavericks are expected to strive for the championship in the next few years.