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Today is the start of NBA Free Agency negotiations at 6 PM EST. There are many notable free agents, who won't be able to sign a contract until July 6th.  In this article, we will break down Kyrie Irving, and his odds to land with certain teams. Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season, after a tumultuous run with the Brooklyn Nets. In addition, he is an unrestricted free agency currently. The last article written broke down the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agents.  Take a look here to learn all about the types of free agents, and player odds.  If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know.

Kyrie Irving- Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving was asked about his free agency back in March, in which he gave a blunt and honest answer. According to CBS Sports, Irving quoted, "I am in no rush to make a decision," Irving said about his free agency last month. "I know what's ahead of me for the rest of my career."

Kyrie Irving is a veteran of the league and has arguably some of the best handles in the NBA. However, he's been unpredictable in the past, which makes NBA Free Agency even more exciting. Although there's been some issues on and off the court in the past, Irving is an extremely talented guard who has an NBA Championship under his belt.  Last season, Irving grew frustrated with the Brooklyn Nets, and was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2027/2029 second-round pick.  In addition, Kyrie Irving exercised his 2022-2023 option for $36 million, and is now a free agent.  It's important to note, Irving signed a four-year $136 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.

Just a few weeks ago, Yahoo Sports reported that there 'was no market for Irving.' According to Chris Haynes, Kyrie Irving intends to meet with the Suns at the start of the free agency.  Just a few days ago, Marc Stein reported Kyrie Irving is expected back to the Dallas Mavericks. However, as of today, CBS Sports indicates Irving could meet with the Houston Rockets, Lakers, Clippers, Suns, and Heat.

Current Contract

4 Years, $136,490,600 

Year               Base Salary
2019-2020    $31,742,000
2020-2021    $33,329,100
2021-2022    $34,916,200
2022-2023    $36,503,300 (Player Exercised).
2024              Unrestricted Free Agent.

*All stats provided by Spotrac*

Team Odds to Land Kyrie Irving

*Odds Courtesy of Draft Kings*

Team                  Odds

Mavericks             -500
Lakers                  +550
Heat                    +1000
Clippers               +1200
Bulls                     +2500
Timberwolves       +2500
Suns                     +2500

Mavericks -500

The Mavericks are currently $74 million over in cap space, in which Luka Doncic is slated to make $40 million this season alone.  In addition, Tim Hardaway is bound to make $17 million this season, and Richaun Holmes $12 million.  Kyrie Irving last signed a max contract with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 and is eligible to sign a five-year $272.9 million max contract with Dallas.  There are very few teams that could afford Irving, and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, "The Market for Kyrie Irving- legitimate places that he would leave Dallas for that make sense and are available to him---- is extremely limited, perhaps nil."

Although the Mavericks missed the playoffs, Kyrie Irving played 20 games with Dallas, in which he averaged 27 points, 6 assists, 1.3 steals, and shot 51 percent from the field, and 39.2 percent from the three.  Once considered a high risk, Irving teamed up with All-Star Luka Doncic, Dallas got a star they desperately needed to play alongside Doncic. Irving expressed during his media introduction that the Mavericks told him to be himself, something Irving expressed he hasn't felt with teams prior.  Dallas is the team that can pay Irving the most and seems like a destination that can continue to allow Kyrie to play his game without distractions. The only downside is the Mavericks don't have the best role players.

Kyrie Irving on his future

As of March 30, 2023, Kyrie Irving spoke to the media, and addressed his future with the Dallas. According to Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated, Kyrie Irving quoted, "I think the realistic view is that when I came here, this was going to be a growing process,” “This was for the long term, and this was for something that’s bigger than ourselves, and we can’t just be a championship team overnight, especially me coming here. It certainly seems possible that Kyrie Irving could end back in Dallas.

Lakers +550

If you didn't know, Kyrie Irving won an NBA Championship back in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James.  Although James is 38, he is still playing at a high level, along with Kyrie Irving.  The duo played well together in Cleveland, and Kyrie Irving would fit the piece the Lakers have been missing.  Los Angeles has Anthony Davis at Center, along with LeBron James. However, they've been missing a shot creating point guard, who can consistently score and facilitate.  Irving would fit this role perfectly and be a player who can take pressure off Davis and LeBron nightly.

The Los Angeles Lakers are $104 million over in cap space, and only the Rockets, Pacers, Spurs, and Magic have the financial room to sign Irving. Although some of those teams are very young, it's doubtful Irving would sign with any of them.  There could certainly be a sign and trade deal, and the Lakers make the most sense besides the Mavericks.  Both Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are restricted free agents, two players that played a crucial role in the playoffs. With the Lakers expected to lose Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley, they will make a decision on Irving before attempting to resign D'Angelo Russell or Dennis Schroder. The Lakers are a lucrative destination for Irving to win, however, can he be himself and will the Los Angeles media get to him?

Miami Heat +1000

The Miami Heat made the NBA Finals last season, and far exceeded expectations.  We saw the emergence of Gabe Vincent, along with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.  With the uncertainty of Vincent and Kyle Lowrys future, they lack a true point guard who can facilitate and score.  The Heat are projected to be $64 million over in cap space, and Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro are all slated to make between $27-$45 million next year.  It was just reported Victor Oladipo exercised his 2023-2024 salary for $9 million, and Kyle Lowry is in the final year of his $29.6 million contract.  Perhaps the Heat could try to find a trade partner to take on Lowry's contract. 

If Miami is able to pull it off, the addition of Irving would most likely put them right back into a champion contender, especially if the Heat can find a trade suitor for Lowry.  Imagine a lineup with Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo? If they sign Irving, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent would likely sign somewhere else. 

Clippers +1200

As of 4 PM EST today, CBS Reports that Kyrie Irving is expected to meet with the Los Angeles Clippers, along with other teams.  The Clippers have stars in Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, although they've been injured.  Since their four-year contract signings, Kawhi Leonard has played just 147 regular season games with the Clippers, while Paul George has only played 119.  Paul George led the Clippers for a majority of the 2022-2023 season, however, they were missing one of the best two-way players in the game in Leonard.

The Los Angeles Clippers are $71 million over in cap space, and according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. ' Los Angles has made Ivica Zubac available in trade conversations." Zubac is slated to make $10 million this season, $11 million next season, and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Trading Zubac would make sense for the Clippers, who desperately need a point guard.  It would free up $10 million next season and start to pave the way for a signing. 

Why the Clippers make sense.

If Kawhi Leonard and Paul George could stay healthy, adding Irving could make them an instant contender and a huge threat in the western conference.  Although losing Zubac would be a crucial loss, especially defensively, Irving would bring championship experience, along with exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. It's also possible the Clippers could move Marcus Morris Sr., who's due to make $17 million this season.  

Bulls/Timberwolves/Suns/Rockets +2500

The Suns just completed a trade for Bradley Beal and gave up several years of first round draft picks with the addition of Kevin Durant.  To me, the Suns would make the most sense for Irving, although Phoenix has a loaded back court between Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.  The Suns expressed their desire to keep center Deandre Ayton and are currently $80 million over in cap space.  Although the Suns have three stars, they currently only have 8 players signed to their roster, with Cameron Payne as their primary bench player. 

It seems the Suns chances of signing Kyrie Irving are minimal. They don't have the financial space nor the assets to trade for Irving. If they traded anyone, it would have to be Deandre Ayton.  The Combination of Devin Booker and Kyrie Irving, along with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal would make the Suns one of the best contenders in the league. 

Other Teams

Although it's unlikely Kyrie Irving will make a decision tonight, other teams, such as the Bulls or Timberwolves could emerge as dark horses.  Lonzo Balls future is looking bleak due to injuries, and the Bulls still have stars Zach LaVine and DeMar Derozan on the books.  Chicago is currently $46 million over in cap space, can they trade LaVine, or cut other players? The Rockets currently have the most in cap space at $52 million.  Will Irving join a promising young core in Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jabari Smith Jr.?

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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Kick/Twitch/Instagram: @GGirlSports.

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