The Cleveland Cavaliers were credited with making the first big move of the 2014 NBA free agency period when they agreed to terms on a five-year maximum contract extension with franchise cornerstone and 22-year-old point guard Kyrie Irving early Tuesday morning.
The extension will pay Irving a total of $90 million, the maximum allowed under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Irving, who had one year remaining on his rookie deal, was selected by Cleveland with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Since winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2012, Irving has made two straight all-star appearances, and was named MVP of last season’s all-star game. He has averaged 20.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game during his three year career.
His personal success hasn’t exactly translated into wins on the court, however, as the Cavaliers underachieved with a 33-49 record last season, and many questioned Irving’s desire to remain in Cleveland heading into this offseason. His quick decision shows that he is committed to the team and is happy with the direction of the franchise under new head coach David Blatt.
Having both Kyrie Irving and 2014 1st overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins locked up with long term deals will also be a major selling point for the Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers as they look to aggressively pursue other players in an offseason in which stars such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are free agents.
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