Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving went on IG Live on May 24 and the NBA All-Star told his fans to stop listening to what the media is saying about him.
Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, so there have been numerous reports about his offseason plans.
“I’m a free agent this summer, but I am in no rush to make a decision,” Irving said. “When [these media personalities] speak on my name and they’re talking about potential teams that I’m going to, can y’all please — I respectfully, I’m asking you — stop paying attention to that.”
Irving has been linked to the Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. The one-time champion played for the Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks this season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 60 games while shooting 49.4% from the field, 37.9% from beyond the arc, and 90.5% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Lakers superstar forward LeBron James wants Irving to sign with the purple and gold, while Mavericks star Luka Doncic and head coach Jason Kidd would like to see Irving back in Dallas, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
Irving is one of the top players in NBA history. He has career averages of 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Nets, and Mavericks while making eight All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams. Irving was the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year and won the 2016 championship with James on the Cavaliers over the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.
The Mavericks went only 5-11 when Doncic and Irving were in the lineup together this season. Dallas didn’t qualify for the play-in tournament, so many pundits believe the franchise shouldn’t re-sign Irving.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
However, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that Irving is expected to be back with the Mavericks.
But should we believe Pincus? After all, Irving just told us not to listen to what the media has to say about his future. The Duke product, who is represented by his aunt, attended two Lakers games this postseason. Some analysts believe Irving did that to put pressure on the Mavericks to offer him a max contract in free agency.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
