Kyrie Irving Shows Strong Recovery at NBPA Camp; Mavericks Examine Cap Space and Key Extensions
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Rock Hill, S.C. — Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, working back from the torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire season, took the floor Tuesday at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and faced several elite high-school prospects in a “Can You Guard Kyrie” challenge.
Witnesses at the Rock Hill event described Irving’s performance as impressive, an encouraging sign after he told fans on social media that he is “nearly 100%” recovered. Speaking to the campers, the 32-year-old stressed that basketball can be a vehicle for opportunity, adding, “Last year I had a very traumatic injury, tore my ACL. … It’s been a long year, mentally, emotionally. When something you love gets taken away temporarily, that really defines you.”
Cap Relief After Davis Trade
Dallas’ financial outlook improved sharply when the club sent Anthony Davis and his $58.5 million 2026-27 salary to Washington. According to cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, the Mavericks now have 13 guaranteed contracts totaling $161.8 million for next season, placing them roughly $38 million below the projected luxury-tax threshold and safely under both aprons.
The transaction also generated a $20.8 million trade exception, giving the front office flexibility to absorb a contract of up to $21 million. Dallas still holds the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception and the $5.5 million bi-annual exception, assets Gozlan notes could be used to take on unwanted salaries in exchange for future draft considerations.
Extension Decisions Loom
Forward Naji Marshall becomes extension-eligible on July 6. Entering the final season of a $9.4 million deal, the 26-year-old is expected to draw trade interest, but team officials have indicated a desire to keep him. Gozlan projects an offer in the vicinity of three years and $45 million, a figure low enough to avoid a six-month trade restriction.
Center Dereck Lively II also qualifies for an extension but has missed 121 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. The new front office is expected to monitor his health for another year before committing to a long-term agreement.
Thompson’s Future Uncertain
Klay Thompson, 36, carries a $17.5 million expiring contract and could become a buyout candidate whether he remains in Dallas or is moved. Should the Mavericks trade the veteran guard, league rules would allow them to accept up to $26.5 million in outgoing salary, further enhancing their roster-building options.
Source: Hoops Rumors
