NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving to Test Free Agency

The Dallas Mavericks' downward spiral may extend into the offseason. Per NBA Insider Chris Haynes, recently acquired guard Kyrie Irving has declined to sign an extension and will instead see what's available for him in free agency.

Unsurprisingly, Chris Haynes reports that Kyrie Irving intends to test free agency this summer, and the Mavs are optimistic about re-signing him. They want to surround him and Luka with “versatile wing defenders and rim protectors.”https://t.co/7KAkHueTrV
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Irving testing free agency doesn't preclude him from re-signing with the Mavericks, but it will mean he makes himself available to other suitors and potentially the highest bidder. He was frequently linked to the Los Angeles Lakers in the days leading up to the trade deadline.

Irving has generally maintained his individual effectiveness since joining the Mavs, but it hasn't brought the overall results the team had hoped for. Despite Irving's 26.7 points per game and .632 true shooting percentage, the Mavs have lost seven of their last eight games and appear likely to miss the play-in tournament. They're one game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 10th seed with only three games left on their schedule.

The Mavs traded several significant assets for Irving, so losing him after only a handful of weeks would be a major embarrassment for the franchise. That being said, they haven't accomplished much with him in the fold, either. Even if the Mavericks can collect some competent role players in free agency and the draft, the Kyrie Irving-Luka Doncic pairing hasn't demonstrated championship potential. Committing to Irving may mean committing to mediocrity. The Mavs are stuck between a rock and a hard place.