Despite all the chatter about Kyrie Irving wanting to reunite with LeBron James, the Dallas Mavericks re-signed the veteran Point Guard this off-season. Providing the 6’2” star a massive $126 million contract, Mark Cuban and Co. have extended their relationship with Irving for another three years. However, Cuban made it extremely clear in a recent interview that Luka Doncic is the leader of the Dallas side.
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He also indicated that Kyrie will have to play the role of Luka’s running mate. Given Kyrie’s checkered history with leadership, fans were a little concerned about the Mavs owner’s comments.
The Dallas Mavericks had a subpar performance during Kyrie Irving’s 20-game span for the team. One can easily pin the team’s failures on the lack of team chemistry, especially between the two best talents on the roster, Luka and Kyrie. However, that tandem might see a further strain in their relationship after Cuban recently made an appearance on Patrick Beverley’s podcast.
At one point in the must-watch episode, the business tycoon addressed the Kyrie Irving-Luka Doncic chemistry issue. He said,
“He [Kyrie] knows that this is Luka’s team. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. It is Luka’s team. He can play two. Luka is that good that when Luka is in there, Kai needs to run to the corner? He’ll run to the corner.”
According to Cuban, Irving needs to play under the leadership of the Slovenian prodigy. The 65-year-old even claimed that the 2016 NBA Champion shouldn’t mind doing so if winning is the priority.
“People talk about Kai and Luka fitting together. Kai knows this is Luka’s team. Kai knows how Luka plays…He’s not a 19-year-old Kai anymore, he’s not a 25-year-old Kai anymore. He’s a mature 31-year-old Kai and he wants to win. That makes all the difference in the world,” Cuban added.
As soon as the clip from Pat Bev’s podcast went viral on social media, NBA Twitter blew up with various reactions. Users such as @itswooch couldn’t believe how candid Cuban seemed.
However, they also feared Cuban’s remarks about Irving might be construed to be insulting by the latter.
Wow “there’s no if ands or buts about it”
— Wooch (@itswooch) August 31, 2023
@ChiefOttoSosa dubbed Cuban’s comments as “toxic”, drawing comparisons to the unselfish nature of the Denver Nuggets.
Lmao how toxic, meanwhile in Denver ♂️ pic.twitter.com/EOVTS2IuOo
— Chief Otto (@ChiefOttoSosa) August 31, 2023
Lastly, @BronGotGame made a valid point about Irving agreeing to play under someone else’s leadership. Back in 2017, Irving reportedly parted ways with the Cleveland Cavaliers as he didn’t want to play in LeBron James’ shadows. What makes Mark Cuban and other Mavericks fans believe that Kyrie is ready to make the sacrifice for a 24-year-old Luka?
If he left Cleveland cuz he didn’t wanna be second fiddle to a LeBron James in his prime, will he be willing to do that for a 24 yr old prodigy
— ²³☄️ (@BronGotGame) August 31, 2023
Therefore, as of now, Kyrie’s future with the Mavs is still shaky at best despite the new deal.
Will the Dallas Mavericks be the destination where Kyrie Irving retires?
Even before the 2022-2023 season came to an end, there were rumors that speculated about Kyrie Irving and LeBron James reuniting. Known for being an excellent recruit, many were convinced that LeBron would persuade his former teammate to join the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kyrie’s hopeful the next team he plays for will be his last
He’s searching for “a place where he can spend the rest of his career, the place that feels like home,” per @ramonashelburne pic.twitter.com/yEQ4BHGHEC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 29, 2023
Amid the speculations, Irving revealed his intentions of wanting to retire for the next team he signed with. As seen in the Bleacher Report tweet above, the eight-time All-Star was searching for a “place where he can spend the rest of his career“. Re-signing a three-year contract with the Mavericks, Dallas fans will be hopeful that Irving stays true to his words.
But Cuban’s words might not be the most welcome thing in this situation.
