The Dallas Mavericks are turning the page on their roster strategy, having already moved on from Anthony Davis. The question now is whether Kyrie Irving will be the next to exit as the team builds its future around rising star Cooper Flagg.
With the NBA eyeing expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle, the possibility of an expansion draft looms. Teams will have the chance to protect a limited number of players, and given Irving's age and injury history, he may not make the cut for Dallas. Despite these concerns, Irving's talent ensures he'd still be a top pick in such a draft.
In a recent mock expansion draft by Stephen Noh of The Sporting News, Anthony Davis was projected to go first, followed by Joel Embiid and then Irving. This scenario could potentially reunite Davis and Irving, creating an intriguing storyline.
Dallas is keen on making deeper playoff runs centered around Flagg. While Irving's skills are undeniable, the track record for guards recovering from ACL injuries at his stage in their career isn't promising. The Mavericks might prioritize finding a younger lead guard to complement Flagg’s talents.
The team's journey has been anything but ordinary, with pivotal moments like the Luka Doncic trade and the fortunate lottery pick that brought them Flagg. Now, with Flagg in the fold, the Mavericks are focused on making strategic decisions to ensure long-term success.
Investing heavily in an aging, injury-prone guard may not align with their vision when the expansion draft arrives, potentially signaling the end of Irving's time in Dallas.