The Dallas Mavericks’ new reality has already put Kyrie Irving back on the league’s radar.
After the shift from the Luka Doncic era to the Cooper Flagg era, Dallas is trying to sort out what comes next, and other teams are clearly paying attention. One name drawing the most interest is Irving, the former NBA champion and nine-time All-Star who could turn into one of the biggest trade chips before February’s deadline.
“Teams are intrigued by how, or if, Irving fits into the Dallas Mavericks’ long-term plans. [Kyrie] could be a prime target for contenders before the trade deadline if Masai Ujiri is willing to engage in those discussions,” reported ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Dallas is operating in full rebuild mode after finishing 26-56 last season and placing 12th in the West. Flagg has been positioned as the franchise’s centerpiece, while Irving was expected to help by serving as a veteran mentor and example for the young star.
That plan has not played out on the court yet. Irving, a 14-year veteran with multiple playoff runs behind him, has not suited up for the Mavericks since tearing his ACL in March of 2025.
There is also uncertainty about whether he can get all the way back to peak form. Even so, his career line - 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game - is enough to keep rival front offices interested.
If Dallas decides to move him, the market should be strong despite the price. Irving is on a two-year, $81 million deal, and the Mavericks would have the leverage to ask for multiple picks and/or a young player in return. That kind of ask narrows the field, but it does not eliminate it.
Miami is one possible landing spot if the Heat are willing to spend their last trade assets. A deal would bring Irving into a group with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and former teammate Klay Thompson, though it would likely mean stripping away much of the supporting cast to get it done.
Detroit is another team to watch, especially with the possibility of losing Jalen Duren. The Pistons could use Irving’s scoring and playmaking if they want to keep their hold on the top of the standings, but the mechanics of a trade would not be simple.
Houston also enters the conversation. Even with Fred VanVleet back, the Rockets could use more punch in the backcourt and on the perimeter. Irving would provide exactly that, but it is not clear they want to pay a steep price to make a roster tweak they already like.
For now, nothing is close. The Mavericks appear content to wait, hold onto Irving’s contract, and see if the right deal develops later in the season so they can get the best possible return.
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