Kyrie Irving’s future in Dallas keeps hanging over the Mavericks, and the latest chatter has him landing in a trade idea that would send Jalen Suggs and draft capital back to the Mavericks from the Orlando Magic.
Irving, an NBA champion, has been the subject of trade speculation all summer, and the fit between his timeline and Cooper Flagg’s simply doesn’t line up cleanly. New management in Dallas only adds another layer to the situation. Still, Irving has been vocal about wanting to do whatever it takes to win.
“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.
NBA insider Marc Spears said that if Irving eventually asks out, the Mavericks would likely help 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, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz floated a deal with Orlando that would send Suggs and picks, or other pieces, to Dallas in exchange for Irving. Swartz pointed to the Magic’s offense as part of the logic, noting that even after adding Desmond Bane last season to a core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Suggs, Orlando still ranked 18th in offense in the regular season and finished last among the 16 playoff teams.
That’s why, in Swartz’s view, the framework “makes too much sense for both teams.”
For Orlando, the move would come with obvious risk. There’s no guarantee Irving would actually sign with the Magic in free agency. At the same time, it would also clear out Suggs’ sizable contract.
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