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Dallas Mavericks Rumors
Kyrie Irving's next contract could serve as blueprint for James Harden's new deal?
What links Irving and Harden in 2025: The two thirtysomething stars sit atop this summer’s anticipated list of free agent point guards, both hold contracts that contain a player option for next season and they are simultaneously seeking longer-term arrangements with their respective teams. More than one well-placed observer has noted that the former’s eventual new contract with the Mavericks could even serve as a barometer that helps establish the ballpark for what Harden ultimately banks from the Clippers in a new deal.
Irving holds a $44 million player option for next season that he must activate or decline by June 24. There have been rumbles all season that the Mavericks, either using that option as the starting point for an extension or based on an entirely new deal, have been hoping to re-secure Irving under contract for the next three seasons in the same annual ballpark of $40 million.
Jorge Sierra: Jalen Brunson passed all these players in playoff scoring tonight: Vince Carter George Gervin Anthony Davis George Hill Michael Cooper Don Nelson Paul Millsap He’s No. 110 all-time now.
As Jalen Brunson has risen to NBA stardom, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is often asked if he saw it coming. Carlisle coached Brunson for three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, overseeing his rise from useful second-round pick in his first season to top sixth man in his third. Over the last three seasons with the New York Knicks, Brunson has emerged as a perennial MVP candidate. “I’m not surprised,” Carlisle said. “Knowing his level of determination, how much of a winner he is and how he really has always embraced the doubters. He loves proving people wrong.”
Success in Carlisle’s new gig hinges on his ability to stop Brunson. Or at least slow him down. Lost in the mayhem of Indiana’s 138–135 overtime win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals was Brunson going off. He collected a playoff-high 43 points. He shot 60% from the floor. He was 12 of 14 from the free throw line. There were some uncharacteristic mistakes down the stretch, but for most of the game, Brunson was brilliant. “Making it hard on him is difficult because he finds angles,” Carlisle said. “He gets places and he makes it. He routinely makes shots that if most players took them, you’d say that’s a bad shot. But he’s a bucket man. He just gets the ball in the basket.”
Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has learned from Jason Kidd, is from Saint Paul, Minnesota and stands on business. Described by league sources as someone who has an unrivaled work ethic, Sweeney is one of several candidates for the Phoenix Suns head coaching vacancy. “He is a winner that will hold players accountable,” one league source said about Sweeney.
League sources added that Sweeney is a “great leader” who has tremendous command.
With just the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks remain active in evaluating talent that is expected to be available in the second round. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that the team has scheduled pre-draft workouts next week with Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi and Marshall forward Obinna Anochili-Killen—two under-the-radar frontcourt talents who could emerge as developmental targets.