The Dallas Mavericks made waves last week by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, signaling a shift in direction for the franchise. But the front office might not be done reshaping the roster. While the NBA trade deadline has come and gone, the offseason could bring more fireworks-especially when it comes to Kyrie Irving.
Irving was off-limits at the deadline, with Dallas making it clear they weren’t ready to move on from the star guard. But this summer?
That’s a different story. With the Mavericks now firmly building around 19-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, the calculus changes.
If the right offer comes in, Dallas will have to weigh its options.
Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted that interest in Irving is expected to heat up once the playoffs wrap. And it makes sense.
Every offseason, there’s a team-or several-that falls short of expectations and starts looking for that missing piece. Irving, despite the injury, still fits that bill.
Why teams will call about Kyrie Irving
Stein put it plainly: “The Mavs’ phone will ring for Kyrie Irving in May and June whether they want to trade him or not.” That’s not just speculation-it’s reality in a league where elite offensive talent is always in demand. And with Dallas having already moved Davis, rival GMs will be watching closely to see if the Mavericks are open for more business.
Irving’s situation is layered. On one hand, Dallas hasn’t had the chance to see what he and Flagg look like on the floor together.
That pairing is part of the Mavericks’ long-term vision. Flagg hasn’t yet played alongside a high-level shot creator like Irving, and the idea of those two sharing the court is tantalizing.
Irving’s ability to break down defenses, draw attention, and create space could be exactly what Flagg needs to unlock his full offensive potential.
But there’s another side to this. The Mavericks are now operating on Flagg’s timeline.
He’s young, years away from his prime, and the front office is clearly building for the long haul. That makes Irving-who turns 34 this year-a bit of a question mark in terms of long-term fit.
If Dallas believes it can flip him for assets that align better with Flagg’s development arc, the temptation will be there.
The injury factor
Irving’s health complicates the equation. He’s been out nearly a year after tearing his ACL last March. While all reports suggest he’s taken his rehab seriously and is on track for a strong return, there’s no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to major knee injuries.
That said, if Irving can return to form-and there’s still a chance he suits up later this season-he’ll remind everyone why he remains one of the league’s most dynamic guards. Before the injury, he was putting up 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting north of 40% from deep. That’s elite production, and it’s exactly what playoff teams crave.
Contract and value
Irving has two years left on his deal after this season, with an annual salary under $41 million. That’s not a bargain-bin number, but for a player of his caliber-if healthy-it’s strong value.
Especially for a team looking to make a serious postseason push. His playoff experience, shot-making ability, and leadership could be the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals run.
For Dallas, the decision won’t be easy. They could hold onto Irving and see if he and Flagg form the kind of duo that can carry the franchise into the next era. Or they could cash in now, while his value is still high and before age and injury become bigger factors.
Either way, the calls are coming. And the Mavericks will have to decide if Kyrie Irving is part of their future-or someone else’s.