Kyrie Irving Traded to Mavs: When's Mark Cuban Paying Him Max $198 Million Contract Extension?

The Kyrie Irving trade gives Luka Doncic a Mavs "reward'' now ... and if all goes well, the final reward goes to Kyrie - in the form of $198 million.

DALLAS - Kyrie Irving is coming to the Dallas Mavs, with his new club prepared to test-drive the idea for now ...

And in the summer, pay the controversial star via a signing of a four-year, $198 million maximum salary deal.

There were other bidders, like the Lakers, who wanted to pair Kyrie with old pal LeBron James ... but who reportedly wanted Irving to immediately sign a two-year, $78.6 million extension.

But Kyrie is betting on himself in Dallas. ... and waiting on this summer's four-year max.

And the Mavs are betting on Kyrie in this Sunday pre-deadline deal, having given up Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks (with Markieff Morris also heading to Dallas).

That's a lot for a "rental'' ... which means it is not Dallas' intention to allow it to be only that.

Dallas was prepared to pony up to trade for Irving, as we have reported - but now we know about the long-term concept.

The Nets had offered Irving a contract extension, but one that he obviously found unsuitable enough to make clear his desire for a trade. ... meaning in a sense he turned his back on his employer - not a good look.

And in that sense - between issues of trust and turmoil, this Mavs move is a big-swing blockbuster that comes with risk.

But the reward can be on the floor, with an All-Star-level backcourt pairing with Luka Doncic. And there can be another Luka-related reward, as this move establishes the willingness of owner Mark Cuban to do what is necessary to keep Doncic happy with the direction of the franchise.

And a final reward? If all goes well, the final reward goes to Kyrie Irving - in the form of $198 million.

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