Mark Cuban expresses desire to keep Kyrie Irving in Dallas / News - Basketnews.com

Mark Cuban says the top priority for the Mavericks this summer is to re-sign Kyrie Irving. Cuban expressed his desire to keep Irving in Dallas, citing their good relationship and the player's reported satisfaction with the team.

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Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says re-signing guard Kyrie Irving is the Mavs' top summer priority.

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"I'd love to have him stay for sure," Cuban said, via ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "I'd love to have him. I want him to stay for sure, and I think we have a good shot. I think he's happy here. He tells me he's happy here, and I get along great with him. I think he's a good guy. All I can tell you is everything I thought I knew about Kyrie because of everything I read was 100% wrong."

Dallas can offer Irving as much as $272 million over five years, more than any other team due to possessing his Bird rights.

Cuban was not willing to confirm whether or not the Mavericks would be able to secure Irving's services in free agency, and whether or not they would be outbid by another team.

"I don't know," Cuban stated. "I guess there's always too high a price, depending, but now with the new CBA, it's a different world."

Meanwhile, Dallas ended a three-game losing streak with just its second victory in its past nine games on Wednesday night. The Mavs stayed in the race for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a 123-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

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