Did Kyrie Irving sneakily reveal his next sneaker home?
By Noah Weber
The Dallas Mavericks are focused on retaining star point guard Kyrie Irving in free agency, and it's beginning to look like he wants to come back as well.
Irving is in "no rush" to make his free agency decision, but a different choice could be coming soon.
That decision is his sneaker free agency signing, and Irving was seen rocking a pair of sneakers that weren't Nike Kyrie's with tape covering the logo.
Did Kyrie Irving sneakily reveal his next sneaker home?
In a basketball setting, Irving typically wears his Nike Kyrie's with tape covering the logo, but Saturday was different. He was wearing Anta Shockwave 5 Pro's at his basketball camp, potentially giving fans an idea of what company he'd be signing with this summer.
Anta was rumored as a potential landing spot for Irving in sneaker free agency by Bally Sport's Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, and it's looking like Anta might be one of his final choices for what company he signs with. He would be the face of Anta's basketball line, and they would likely throw a massive contract his way.
This is some of the first smoke from Irving regarding a potential new sneaker home but should be taken with a grain of salt as nothing is confirmed yet. Irving said on Instagram Live last month that his sneaker decision would be soon, and one could guess that it will be before the beginning of NBA free agency on June 30.
Irving will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and can sign wherever he pleases. Although it looks like Dallas will re-sign him for a near-max contract, things can change quickly in NBA free agency. The Houston Rockets have also emerged as potential suitors for Irving if they can't land James Harden, and that is something to watch as free agency begins in a few weeks.
Houston would love to take Dallas' co-star away and would likely throw a lucrative contract his way. Irving would be the best player on that team by a landslide and would put Dallas in a difficult position if he signs with the Rockets. The Mavericks gave up multiple assets for Irving last season and can't afford to lose him for nothing.
Stay tuned for the latest news and rumors surrounding the Mavericks and their star point guard. The 2023 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away, and Dallas will likely make a big move that night. It's a crucial night for Dallas, and we'll have you covered.