Mavericks GM optimistic about re-signing Kyrie Irving

DALLAS — General manager Nico Harrison expressed optimism that the Dallas Mavericks would accomplish their top offseason priority of re-signing Kyrie Irving following the All-Star guard's exit interview with the franchise.

«I think the things that he said along the way about how he feels here, how he feels appreciated, how he feels accepted and allowed to be himself — those are the things that he said kind of consistently,» Harrison said Tuesday, a day after meeting with Irving. «That's what gives me the optimism that he wants to be here.»

The Mavericks traded for Irving in January with the understanding that Irving had no intention of discussing a contract extension, which would have been limited to two years. Irving is eligible to sign for as much as $272 million over five years with the Mavericks, who possess his Bird rights as he enters free agency, or approximately $202 million for four years with another franchise.

Irving, who informed reporters days after joining the Mavs that he would not answer questions regarding his free agency until the end of the season to avoid «unwarranted distractions,» was not made available to the media after Dallas' season ended Sunday.

The Mavs remain confident that Irving and fellow All-Star guard Luka Doncic can form the core of a contender despite Dallas' disappointing season. The Mavs went 7-18 after the Irving trade — including 5-11 when both All-Stars were in the lineup — to fall from fourth place in the Western Conference standings with two months remaining in the regular season to 11th and out of the play-in scenario.

«I think the two work together,» said Harrison, who declined to comment on the NBA investigation into the Mavs sitting their stars and other core players in the