Since the Dallas Mavericks collapsed at the end of last season, fans have been wondering if the team is going to retain new recruit Kyrie Irving in the offseason.
Irving’s addition to the team obviously didn’t help them achieve much, at least not initially, and some people think the Mavs should cut him loose.
Kendrick Perkins doesn’t believe that.
In fact, the NBA commentator said that Irving is the one holding the advantage in contract negotiations.
“I think the Mavs don’t have a choice and don’t have any leverage but to give Kyrie Irving what he wants,” Perkins said on Thursday’s First Take.
"I think the Mavs don't have a choice and don't have any leverage but to give Kyrie Irving what he wants. … You cannot afford to let another box office or superstar-caliber player walk out of that franchise."
🗣️ @KendrickPerkins pic.twitter.com/4EWUW5ERWx
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 29, 2023
Perkins said that Irving held up his end of the bargain since joining the team back in February.
Sure enough, he averaged 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 51% from the floor since moving down to Texas.
It’s not solely his fault that the team fell apart, especially since he was playing like the eight-time All-Star he is.
Perkins also noted that the Mavericks are still stinging from losing Jalen Brunson last summer.
They simply can’t let another player like this leave them.
It would be mismanagement of the highest order, according to Perkins.
“You cannot afford to let another box office or superstar-caliber player walk out of that franchise,” he said.
There is no doubt that Irving – and his teammate Luka Doncic – are supremely talented.
In fact, they are two of the best players in the league.
The front office needs to figure out something to help them find success.
They signed up for Irving and now they have to stick with him – and give him the tools he and his other teammates need to win.
NEXT: Chris Broussard Says Kyrie Irving Checks Every Box On The 'Red Flag Meter'
