Mavericks' Kyrie Irving reveals retirement timeline, says it isn't the game he fell in love with

Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving reveals retirement timeline, says it isn’t the game he fell in love with originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Dallas Mavericks have spent the offseason trying to figure out what to do with their roster, especially under new management. The team is hoping it has enough talent to make a playoff run.

One of the biggest storylines this summer has been Kyrie Irving’s future with the team. The NBA champion wants to continue competing in Dallas.

“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with,” Irving said.

Dallas’ management has made it a priority to keep Irving and Cooper Flagg together for now.

“Ujiri has made it clear that the franchise is committed to keeping Irving with Flagg, who is 15 years younger than the star point guard,” ESPN’s Brain Windhorst wrote. “Rival front offices question whether Dallas can stick to that plan with roster holes elsewhere and the two stars on different career timelines.”

On Monday, Irving provided an update on his potential retirement timeline, explaining that today’s NBA is different from the game he fell in love with growing up.

“You have social media and gambling which is running rampant and it’s not the same NBA that I fell in love with as a kid and I’m very much aware of that… Basketball is an eternal flame, it always will, but i don’t see myself playing in the nba at 42, 43,” Irving told the media.

Irving’s comments are interesting, as they suggest he has concerns about the direction of the league. The Mavericks will have to decide whether keeping him beyond this season is worthwhile, especially with his contract set to expire.

Based on Irving’s comments, he may have as many as six years left in his NBA career, though he could retire sooner if he chooses. Either way, his remarks have raised questions about how much longer he plans to continue playing.

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