The Mavericks’ next big roster move may hinge on what happens early in the season, and Kyrie Irving is right in the middle of that conversation.
Dallas has spent the summer with Irving at the center of trade chatter as he works his way back from the injury that cost him last season. He’s still in the mix, but the veteran guard has also been direct about where he stands.
“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with,” Irving said.
There’s still a path where the Mavericks keep him. But if that changes and Irving asks out, NBA insider Marc Spears believes Dallas would be willing to make it happen.
“Masai also has a really good relationship as you mentioned with Kyrie Irving. I think it's the kind of relationship where if Kyrie says, hey, Masai, like, this isn't for me, I think they could work together to get something done.
I don't think would be something ugly. I think there would be interest in Kyrie if he's as healthy as he looks,” Spears said.
From there, the logic shifts to what Dallas could get back. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has floated the idea of the Mavericks moving Irving for draft capital and younger pieces as they build around Cooper Flagg.
“Suitors are surfacing already, and this season hasn't even tipped yet. Irving could be a great on-court fit with Flagg, and it would still make sense for Dallas, which doesn't control its first-round pick until 2031, to explore deals that swap out Irving for younger players, draft assets or a combination of the two,” Buckley wrote.
That possibility gets even more real because Irving is on an expiring contract. For Dallas, that means one clear choice: cash in now or risk losing him without getting anything back. For Irving, it could mean landing with a team positioned to chase a championship.
However it plays out, the Mavericks’ future decisions are tied to this situation, and any return for Irving could become a major piece of the puzzle as they try to build around Flagg.
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The fit also comes with a familiar face. Clayton is reuniting with coach Dusty May, who once recruited him in college, giving the Mavericks a connection point as they keep sorting out the back end of a rebuilding roster. For a team looking for upside and flexibility, Clayton arrives with a fresh opportunity and a chance to make the most of a late move before the season gets going. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Take A Needed Backcourt Flier Behind Kyrie Irving
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For Dallas, the appeal is in the possibility, not the certainty. Clayton is still in the early part of his pro career, but the Mavericks clearly see a chance to develop a guard who can handle some point-guard duties and give the team another option when Irving needs help or rest. To clear the way, the front office made a corresponding roster move, underscoring how small margins can be when a team is trying to shore up its bench. [Read more 🡒]