Kyrie Irving Emerged as Potential Dallas Trade Target
NBA analysts have identified the veteran guard as a possible acquisition for the Dallas Mavericks.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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The Dallas Mavericks are considering Kyrie Irving as a trade target ahead of the upcoming NBA deadline. The 34-year-old guard has not played since the 2024-25 season due to a torn ACL.
Why it matters
The Mavericks are currently in a rebuilding phase focused on developing 19-year-old Cooper Flagg under a new front office regime. Analysts are monitoring Irving as the team seeks to balance its young roster with veteran experience.
Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during his last active season. He posted a 47.3% field goal percentage and a 40.1% 3-point shooting mark in his final appearance.
The players
Kyrie Irving
He is a 34-year-old veteran NBA guard who previously averaged 24.7 points per game.
Masai Ujiri
He serves as the president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dusty May
He is the head coach tasked with leading the Dallas Mavericks through a rebuilding period.
Cooper Flagg
He is a 19-year-old player who has become the centerpiece of the Dallas Mavericks roster rebuild.
The details
League personnel are evaluating Irving's status as the Mavericks shift their strategy following a 26-win season. The team is currently building its future around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg while the front office transitions under president Masai Ujiri and head coach Dusty May.
Timeline
Kyrie Irving last played during the 2024-25 season before suffering a torn ACL.
The Dallas Mavericks open their training camp in September 2026.
Dallas will play the Houston Rockets in Macao, China, on October 9, 2026.
Irving is under contract for the 2026-27 season.
Irving holds a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Season Trajectory
The potential acquisition of Irving would signal an aggressive pivot for a team that only managed 26 wins last season. This move would fundamentally alter the Mavericks' long-term development timeline for their young roster.
Adding Irving would create a high-usage veteran presence to pair with the young Cooper Flagg, impacting the team's rotation and offensive load distribution. This potential trade suggests the front office intends to improve upon last year's 26-win performance immediately.
The takeaway
The Mavericks are balancing the necessity of developing young talent like Cooper Flagg with the immediate need to improve their win total. Fans should watch for front office activity as the team navigates its transition and attempts to integrate veteran production.
What happens next
The Mavericks will open training camp in September 2026 and face the Houston Rockets in a preseason game in Macao, China, on October 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on team strategy, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsweek.
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