Mavericks rumors: Dallas wants to re-sign Kyrie Irving: Guard will test free agency

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving with the hopes that the eight-time All-Star could push them to another level. They were just two games over .500 and looking to put more talent around superstar Luka Doncic.

Things have not gone as planned since. The Mavs are currently five games under .500 as things have not worked out. Their defense has been abysmal as injuries and poor play have sunk the Mavericks' chances. Dallas is not even going to make the Play-In Tournament one year after reaching the conference finals.

Kyrie Irving will be a free agent this summer, and he figures to have multiple suitors. Here is a look at the latest rumors via Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.

Rumors: Kyrie Irving to test free agency despite Dallas Mavericks' desire to re-sign him

Haynes notes that the team’s struggles have not deterred the Mavs' interest in re-signing the eight-time All-Star guard, but Irving plans to head into free agency before agreeing to a new deal.

This is nothing new. Fans know the two sides planned on waiting until free agency to decide their future. Kyrie can make significantly more money on the open market, and he wants a max contract. Will Dallas offer him a five-year max deal? Marc Stein reported that he would be shocked if the Mavericks offered five years on his podcast with Haynes, #thisleague UNCUT.

The Mavs cannot afford to let Irving walk in free agency for nothing. They are still paying for Jalen Brunson’s departure, and it happening two years in a row could be back-breaking for the franchise. Dallas needs to figure out what Kyrie wants and give it to him this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks face their most important offseason in the Luka Doncic era. They must significantly improve their roster if they want to get back into contention. Can the Mavs do it and keep Kyrie Irving in free agency? Fans will be biting their nails over the next three months before finding out, so stay tuned.