Kyrie Irving, the star guard for the Dallas Mavericks, recently shed light on his decision to recommit to the team and his relationship with his co-star, Luka Doncic.

Despite widespread speculation that Irving might join LeBron James’ Lakers, the eight-time All-Star opted to re-sign with Dallas during free agency. He secured a three-year deal worth up to $126 million.

In a recent statement, the 31-year-old explained that his choice to return to Dallas wasn’t overly complex, citing the team as his number one preference.

“It wasn’t too difficult of a process,” Irving remarked after a practice session on Thursday. “I had Dallas as No. 1 on my list. Obviously, I looked elsewhere — salary cap opportunities, where I could fit in with other guys around the league — but there just wasn’t much space. And me being 31 now, I had to have a different vantage point, and I felt like I could not just settle here but be happy to come back here and be welcomed back with a warm embrace.”

Irving expressed a desire to shed some of the immense expectations and pressures he faced in previous seasons and simply enjoy playing the game. He emphasized that returning to Dallas felt like the ideal place for this transformation and personal growth.

“I had already dealt with enough last season or the past two seasons, so they knew that I just wanted a lot of that off my back and off my shoulders of feeling like I had to be Superman or I had to be perfect. I just wanted to be myself. And then going on the last few years, just figuring myself out. So I think this is the best place to do it and continue to mature and grow as a man.”

Irving went as far as to express his fondness for the Mavericks, stating that he “wishes” the franchise had been in a position to draft him back in 2011, a remark that might sting for Cavaliers fans.

Both Irving and Doncic dealt with injuries toward the end of the previous season, and their limited time playing together resulted in a 5-11 record. Consequently, the team fell short of making it to the postseason.

Doncic remains optimistic, believing that extra practice time with Kyrie during training camp and preseason will make a significant difference. The upcoming 2023-24 season for the Mavericks is poised to reveal their potential for success.