As the Dallas Mavericks prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season, they’re facing a significant challenge: All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the first half of the season while recovering from a torn ACL. But thanks to a savvy contract restructuring, the Mavericks now have a valuable tool at their disposal—the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception—and they’re wasting no time identifying targets.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Irving is set to sign a three-year, $119 million deal with Dallas, declining his $43 million player option. This move allows the Mavericks to remain under the second tax apron, unlocking the taxpayer midlevel exception and giving them flexibility to bolster their backcourt depth.
Charania reports that Dallas is eyeing four veteran guards to fill the temporary void left by Irving: Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon.
Each of these players brings a unique skill set, and all are capable of stepping into a starting role until Irving returns—potentially as early as January 2026.
The Mavericks’ front office, led by GM Nico Harrison, is clearly focused on maintaining momentum after a strong 2024–25 campaign. With Anthony Davis as an anchor of the franchise, adding a reliable veteran guard could be the difference between treading water and contending in the early months of the season.
