Mavericks Rumors: Dallas already has deal in place to bring back Kyrie Irving?

The Dallas Mavericks surprised the NBA world and showed their desperation by trading for Kyrie Irving in February. The eight-time All-Star wanted out of Brooklyn, and Dallas quickly stepped up to acquire him. Despite all the Nets drama that centered on Irving, the Mavericks were willing to give up two starters and three draft picks to get Luka Doncic a co-star.

Things did not go as planned on the court after bringing in Kyrie. Dallas lost 18 of their final 25 games to go from fourth in the Western Conference to missing the playoffs entirely. Irving did not deserve all the blame, but it had fans questioning if he has already played his last game in Dallas. The 31-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this summer and can choose his next team.

After fresh rumors of a potential Lakers pursuit, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus detailed what he heard at the NBA Draft Combine about the situation, including a potential deal for Irving that is already in place.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks already have a deal in place to bring back Kyrie Irving

Pincus made it seem like a guarantee that Irving would remain in Dallas long-term, including mentioning that one source told him this.

"I hear they had a handshake deal before the trade [with the Brooklyn Nets]. And Kyrie wouldn't have said yes to anything less than the max."

Irving is going to get maximum dollar offers this summer, but will he choose the Mavericks contract? The years will be the sticking point for the eight-time All-Star, but that already may be sorted out, according to an agent that Pincus talked to at the combine.

"I hear he's going back to Dallas on a 3+1 [a player option on the fourth year]. His contract will line up [identically] with Luka's."

Pincus noted that this deal would pay him $210.1 million over four years. It is a massive contract for a player that has averaged just 40.8 games per season over the last four years. For his career, Kyrie has played more than 60 games in a season just four times in 12 years.

There is no questioning Irving’s talent. The 6’2 guard is arguably the best ball-handler in the world, and he is an annual threat to be a 50-40-90 player. Will Kyrie be on the court and producing? Does he avoid the drama and distractions with a long-term contract in hand? Those are massive question marks for whatever franchise signs him this summer.

Will Kyrie Irving be back with the Dallas Mavericks? The sources Eric Pincus talked to at the combine certainly believe he will, but nothing is for certain with the eight-time All-Star. It would not be the first time he negotiated his exit from an NBA franchise, so stay tuned for all the latest.