Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Cavaliers are planning to offer guard Kyrie Irving a max contract extension on July 1, worth somewhere in the 5-year, $90 million range. This comes in stark contrast to an earlier report that had the Cavs lowballing Irving because the organization didn’t consider the 2014 All-Star Game MVP a max contract type player.
My sources tell me that the Cavs have had no doubts about offering Irving the 5-year deal, and will do so. Once July 1 arrives — the first date that an extension can be offered — the Cavs will set up a meeting with Irving. They will present their All-Star guard with a contract extension, a 5-year deal in the $90 million range (or whatever is the maximum number).
The hope is that he will sign the five-year deal, much like John Wall did with Washington before the 2013-14 season. That was a signal to Washington’s players and fans that he was committed to the team. And yes, Wall’s commitment did help the Wizards come together as a team and make the playoffs, upsetting Chicago in the first round.
If the report is true, and Cleveland can lock up Irving long term, then things might actually start looking up for the franchise, especially after they add yet another first overall pick from this year’s draft to their lineup.
