Team reporter: Mavericks plan to renew Irving's contract with a maximum salary, despite his left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving could still get a maximum-salary extension this offseason despite a torn ACL in his left knee.

The news was exclusively reported by Mike Curtis, a reporter for the Dallas Morning News. He talked about Irving's future when he was a guest on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" show, and said: "The Mavericks' goal is to keep Kyrie for as long as possible. Before the injury, he had almost locked in a maximum salary extension contract. I think it is still the case now."

Irving's current contract is for three years and $120 million, with a $44 million player option for the 2025/26 season. According to the labor agreement, he is expected to fight for a maximum salary extension of $240 million for four years or $313 million for five years during the offseason. Curtis added: "I don't think a team wants to keep a player for just one year and risk him leaving as a free agent next year. I think the Mavericks want to complete the contract extension with Kyrie as soon as possible."

Irving, 32, has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, and joined the Dallas Mavericks in February 2023. He still maintains an All-Star level this season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in 50 games, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range.

However, Irving suffered a serious left knee dislocation in the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings earlier this month. After an MRI, Irving was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee and was ruled out for the season.