KYRIE IRVING SAYS STEPHEN A. SMITH DOES NOT DESERVE HIS ESPN $100 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT

In a surprising twist in the ongoing saga of NBA drama, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has publicly questioned the value of ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith’s reported $100 million contract. Irving’s comments, shared via posts on X on July 12, 2025, have ignited a firestorm of debate, highlighting the complex interplay between athletes, media personalities, and the value of their respective contributions to the sports world. This article explores Irving’s remarks, the context of Smith’s deal, and the broader implications of such public disputes.

The Spark: Irving’s Comments on Smith’s Contract

On July 12, 2025, posts on X from @ScoopB captured Kyrie Irving’s blunt critique of Stephen A. Smith’s rumored five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN. Irving reportedly stated, “I’m going to discuss his contract. I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say: ‘I don’t think you’re worth it.’” The statement, delivered with Irving’s characteristic candor, was a direct jab at Smith, one of the most prominent voices in sports media. The posts quickly gained traction, reflecting the ongoing tension between the two figures, who have clashed in the past over various issues, including Irving’s career decisions and off-court controversies.

Irving’s remarks come at a time when his own contract has been a topic of discussion. In June 2025, Irving signed a three-year, $119 million extension with the Dallas Mavericks, a deal that some, including Smith, criticized as a “lowball” given Irving’s on-court prowess and marketability. Smith argued on First Take that Irving deserved more than the roughly $39.66 million per year, citing his performance and suggesting that former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban would have offered a higher sum. Irving’s decision to call out Smith’s contract appears to be a retaliatory shot, possibly fueled by Smith’s earlier critiques of Irving’s value and reliability.profootballnetwork.comtotalprosports.com

The Context: Stephen A. Smith’s ESPN Deal

Stephen A. Smith, a polarizing figure known for his outspoken commentary on First Take, has been a dominant force in sports media for years. According to a December 2024 report from Sportskeeda, Smith is close to finalizing a five-year, $100 million deal with ESPN, which would make him the network’s highest-paid talent, surpassing figures like Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pat McAfee. The contract, averaging $20 million annually, reflects Smith’s status as a viewership driver and his versatility across platforms, including television, podcasts, and potential ventures like a late-night show on ABC.sportskeeda.com

However, Smith’s deal has sparked debate about the value of sports media personalities compared to athletes. Critics, including Irving, argue that commentators like Smith, who do not play the game, may not warrant salaries rivaling those of top NBA stars. Irving’s own $119 million deal, while substantial, is impacted by his injury history, including a torn ACL in March 2025 that will sideline him until early 2026. His comment on Smith’s contract may reflect frustration with the media’s influence in shaping narratives about players’ worth, especially when Smith has previously questioned Irving’s reliability and contract demands.espn.comnesn.com

The History: Irving and Smith’s Rocky Relationship

The tension between Kyrie Irving and Stephen A. Smith is not new. Over the years, Smith has been a vocal critic of Irving, particularly during his tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. In 2021, Smith warned that Irving’s absences and off-court controversies could jeopardize his $108 million contract with the Nets, suggesting the team might void it due to his unprofessional behavior. In 2022, Smith called Irving’s demands for a long-term, fully guaranteed contract “delusional,” citing his limited availability (playing only 103 games over three seasons with the Nets) and off-court issues, such as his refusal to comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Smith argued that while Irving was “box office” and deserved $50 million annually, he should only be signed to one-year deals due to his unpredictability.thesportsrush.comnetswire.usatoday.combasketballnetwork.net

Irving, in turn, has often pushed back against media narratives, famously calling reporters “pawns” in 2021. His recent comments about Smith’s contract seem to channel this broader frustration with media figures who critique athletes while commanding high salaries themselves. Irving’s statement, “I don’t think you’re worth it,” may also reflect his belief that Smith’s influence and earnings are disproportionate to his contributions compared to players who face physical and professional risks on the court.parimatchnews.com

The Bigger Picture: Athletes vs. Media Value

Irving’s critique raises a deeper question about how value is assigned in the sports ecosystem. NBA players like Irving risk injury and endure intense scrutiny while generating the on-court product that fuels the league’s revenue. In the 2024-25 season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games before his ACL injury, earning his ninth All-Star selection. His $119 million deal, while significant, is seen by some as a bargain for a player of his caliber, especially when compared to recent NBA contracts exceeding $50 million annually.mavs.com

In contrast, sports commentators like Smith drive viewership and shape public perception, but their role is less physically demanding and risky. Smith’s reported $100 million deal, which could match Irving’s guaranteed salary, underscores the growing financial power of media personalities. Critics argue that this disparity highlights an imbalance, where analysts profit from discussing athletes’ performances without facing the same pressures. However, defenders of Smith point out that his ability to generate clicks, views, and ad revenue justifies his compensation, as ESPN’s business model relies on personalities like him to sustain its platform.sportskeeda.com

Irving’s comments also touch on a cultural tension: the athlete-media divide. Players often feel that commentators like Smith oversimplify or sensationalize their struggles, profiting from controversy while athletes bear the consequences. By questioning Smith’s worth, Irving is challenging this dynamic, asserting that the players who create the game’s value deserve greater respect and compensation relative to those who merely analyze it.

The Fallout: Public and Industry Reactions

The X posts capturing Irving’s remarks have fueled polarized reactions. Some fans and analysts support Irving, arguing that Smith’s salary is inflated compared to the physical and emotional toll athletes endure. Others defend Smith, noting that his contract reflects his market value in a media-driven industry. The debate has also reignited discussions about Irving’s own career, with detractors pointing to his injury history and past controversies as reasons why his $119 million deal is fair, while supporters echo Smith’s earlier stance that Irving’s talent warrants more.profootballnetwork.com

The Mavericks, now under new ownership led by Miriam Adelson, have not commented on Irving’s remarks, but the controversy could affect team dynamics as they build around Irving, Anthony Davis, and rookie Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, Smith, who has denied discussing his contract negotiations publicly, is unlikely to stay silent on First Take, where he often responds to criticism with fiery rebuttals.totalprosports.comsportskeeda.com

Kyrie Irving’s bold claim that Stephen A. Smith doesn’t deserve his $100 million contract is more than a personal jab—it’s a reflection of the ongoing tension between athletes and the media. Irving’s remarks highlight the disparity in how value is perceived in the sports world, where players face physical and professional risks while commentators wield significant influence and financial reward. As both figures continue to shape the NBA narrative—Irving with his on-court brilliance and Smith with his provocative commentary—this dispute underscores the need for a broader conversation about fairness, respect, and worth in the sports ecosystem. Whether this feud escalates or fades, it’s a reminder that in the high-stakes world of professional sports, no one escapes scrutiny—not even the loudest voices in the room.