CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have made the first big move of the new NBA year, agreeing to terms with Kyrie Irving on a new five-year contract extension.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert tweeted the agreement early Tuesday morning, just a couple of hours after the market opened. Gilbert did not announce the terms of the deal, but several outlets reported that it was a maximum deal worth about $90 million.
Irving’s agreement on a maximum contract comes just one day after it was reported that LeBron James would seek a maximum contract in free agency after opting out of his deal with the Miami Heat last week.
Irving was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011. He averaged 20.8 points and 6.1 assists in 71 games for the Cavs last season. He is a two-time All-Star and was named the game’s MVP last season.
Irving tweeted on Tuesday that he was “super excited” and “blessed” to be part of the organization for the long term.
