Three Former Blue Devils Just Made Major Moves in the League — And the Numbers Behind Their New Deals Are Turning Heads Across the NBA — But It’s the Price Tags That Have Everyone Talking
In a week where contracts and negotiations have dominated NBA headlines, three former Duke Blue Devils just made a powerful statement — not with their words, but with the ink on paper and the staggering numbers attached to their new deals. Paolo Banchero, Kyrie Irving, and Tre Jones have each secured fresh multi-year contracts, reinforcing the legacy of Duke alumni as elite contributors at the next level.
Paolo Banchero: The Face of Orlando’s Future
Leading the pack is 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, who has officially signed a five-year, $239 million max extension with the Orlando Magic. The deal instantly makes Banchero one of the highest-paid young stars in the NBA and a centerpiece of the Magic’s long-term plans.
Banchero, who has already shown flashes of superstardom in his first two seasons, averaged over 20 points per game while contributing as a rebounder, playmaker, and defensive presence. His extension signals a strong commitment from Orlando to build a championship-contending core around the versatile forward.
“Paolo has earned this,” said Magic GM Anthony Parker. “His work ethic, maturity, and leadership have already begun shaping the culture of this team. He’s not just the present — he’s the future of Orlando basketball.”
Kyrie Irving: A Veteran Star Still Commanding Big Value
Next up is veteran guard Kyrie Irving, who has re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $119 million extension. After a tumultuous few years that saw him bounce between Boston, Brooklyn, and Dallas, Irving appears settled and ready to contend alongside Luka Dončić.
Despite off-court distractions in the past, Irving’s on-court production has remained elite. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 assists, and shot over 40% from beyond the arc, reminding the league of his status as one of the most dynamic scorers and clutch performers.
This contract locks in Dallas’s backcourt stability and signals a “win-now” mode for a franchise looking to make a serious playoff run next season.
Tre Jones: A Steady Hand Joins the Windy City
While Banchero and Irving’s deals made the biggest financial splash, point guard Tre Jones also made a notable career leap, signing a four-year, $74 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. The former Duke floor general, who spent the early part of his career with the San Antonio Spurs, has been steadily growing into a reliable playmaker known for his defensive tenacity and smart decision-making.
Jones is expected to provide stability to a Bulls team searching for identity after an up-and-down 2024–25 campaign. His leadership and poise will be crucial in helping mentor younger guards and bringing some much-needed structure to Chicago’s offensive schemes.
“Tre’s game isn’t always flashy, but it’s fundamentally sound,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “He’s exactly the kind of steady presence we need at the point.”
A Testament to Duke’s NBA Pipeline
The trio’s contract extensions serve as a glowing endorsement of Duke University’s continued pipeline to professional success. With Coach K’s legacy still echoing through the league and Jon Scheyer’s current regime producing more NBA-ready talent, it’s clear the “Duke Brotherhood” remains strong — and profitable.
While each player’s journey has been different — from lottery picks to veteran leadership to slow-and-steady risers — they now share a common headline: Big rewards for big-time impact.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, one thing is clear: the Blue Devils aren’t just surviving in the league — they’re cashing in and thriving.
