Return or Burn: Which free agents should the Dallas Mavericks bring back?

Should the Dallas Mavericks re-sign Kyrie Irving to a long-term deal this offseason?

The Mavs were determined to add a second star next to Luka Doncic, and they jumped at the chance when Kyrie requested a trade out of Brooklyn. Dallas gave up two starters and three draft picks to land the eight-time All-Star, but it was a relative discount for a superstar talent. All the drama with the Nets lowered the asking price, and the Mavericks did not think twice about meeting it.

The early returns with Kyrie have been mixed. Dallas is scoring north of 120 points per 100 possessions, but has just a 1.2 net rating because they are giving up massive numbers on the defensive end. Dallas is 5-7 since the trade, but just 3-6 when Luka Doncic and Irving have played together. They are still figuring things out, but things have been a bit disappointing over the small sample.

The Mavericks traded away their best defender, a key shot creator, one first-round draft pick, and two second-round selections to get Kyrie. They are pot committed to making it work long-term, and Dallas will do everything in their power to re-sign the 6’2 superstar this summer.

Verdict: Return

Does Kyrie want to return to Dallas? He figures to have plenty of suitors, but the Mavs will try to lock him down quickly in free agency.

The Dallas Mavericks are fighting for playoff position down the stretch, and they are eager to see what their new superstar duo can do in the postseason. Regardless of how it plays out, the Mavs will have work to do this summer, and fans won’t want to miss it.