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Kyrie Irving is returning to the Dallas Mavericks after reportedly signing a three-year, $126 million contract on Friday.
Irving was acquired by the Mavericks last season midway through the season via trade. Notably, he has a player option in the final year of the deal. Irving's return to Dallas was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The 31-year-old guard will look to have more success in the upcoming season after they failed to make the playoffs this year.
There were initial reports that Irving would meet with several teams, but it seems like he was already planning to return to the Mavericks. One of the teams linked with Irving was the LA Lakers, who brought in Gabe Vincent on a three-year contract.
NBA fans reacted to Irving's return to the Dallas Mavericks on Twitter. The internet is divided due to Irving's history of asking for a trade. He wanted out of the Cleveland Cavaliers, bailed on the Boston Celtics after saying he wanted to return, and all the things that happened in Brooklyn will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Nevertheless, Irving remains one of the most talented players in the NBA when on the court. Injuries and personal controversies have cut short his production over the years, but he seems to play well with Luka Doncic.
Dallas' problem was not having perimeter defenders to help prevent their opponents from scoring. One fan thinks Mavericks owner Mark Cuban should sell the team:
"Mark Cuban sell it all off man."
Another said that Irving's meeting with other teams was just a tactic:
"Bro was just meeting with other teams to make the Mavericks nervous."
The fan is happy about Lakers fans who thought Irving was coming:
"Sorry Lakers fans."
A Celtics fan predicted that Irving will request a trade in no time:
"Kyrie Irving about to request a trade in a year."
The fan thinks the Mavs overpaid:
"Holy freaking overpay."
Here are some of the best memes about Kyrie Irving's decision to return to the Dallas Mavericks:
Kyrie Irving to switch from No. 2 to No. 11 next season
Kyrie Irving is going back to his roots next season, as he will switch from the No. 2 jersey to the No. 11, as per Mavs beat reporter Landon Thomas. Irving wore No. 11 in high school, in college at Duke and during his tenure with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
The reason why Irving wears the No. 11 is as an homage to his father, Drederick, who wore the same number when he was playing for Boston University. Irving seemingly chose No. 2 at random during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He wore No. 2 last season as a way to pay respect to Jason Kidd.
