As the NBA trade deadline came and went, the Dallas Mavericks made a major splash-but not in the way many fans expected. In a bold three-team deal, Dallas sent Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell to the Washington Wizards, reshaping their roster in a significant way. But amid the chaos of deadline day, one name loomed large over the entire situation: Kyrie Irving.
There was plenty of chatter about whether Irving might be on the move. After all, his absence this season due to a torn ACL has left a noticeable void in the Mavericks’ backcourt, and with the team struggling, speculation swirled. But when the dust settled, Irving was still in Dallas-and that, according to insiders close to the team, might be the Mavericks’ biggest win of the deadline.
On the Locked on Mavericks podcast, Isaac Harris put it plainly: “As long as Kyrie wants to be here, you keep Kyrie in Dallas.” It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about how the organization views Irving-not just as a superstar talent, but as a foundational piece. Harris even went as far as to call him “the leader of the team,” a clear signal that despite the injuries and uncertainty, Irving’s presence still carries major weight in the locker room.
And while Irving hasn’t suited up yet this season, signs are pointing in the right direction. He’s been ramping up his rehab, getting in individual workouts with coaches and running through situational drills against dummy defenses. The team isn’t rushing his return, but there’s growing optimism that he could be back sooner rather than later.
But what really has Mavericks fans buzzing is the potential pairing of Irving with rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old has already turned heads with his poise, athleticism, and two-way impact, and the idea of him sharing the floor with a healthy Kyrie is tantalizing. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Irving is “very excited” about playing alongside Flagg.
“A year and a half ago, Kyrie was playing in the NBA Finals with Luka,” MacMahon said on Howdy Partners. “So he’s processing a lot. But my understanding is Kyrie is very excited about playing with Cooper Flagg.”
That pairing could be the spark Dallas needs to turn things around. Right now, the Mavericks are sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 19-33 record and are mired in a seven-game losing streak. The season hasn’t gone according to plan, but there's still a sense that help is on the way.
Next up, the Mavericks face a tough test against the Phoenix Suns on the road. It’s the kind of game that could serve as a gut check-and maybe, just maybe, a turning point.
For now, the focus in Dallas is on getting Kyrie healthy and building toward the future. And if that future includes a dynamic duo of Irving and Flagg? That’s something worth waiting for.