Kyrie Irving, Mavericks Aligned On Future Despite Strong Trade Interest
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Kyrie Irving, Mavericks Aligned On Future Despite Strong Trade Interest Kyrie Irving would command a robust trade market if the Dallas Mavericks made him available, sources told ESPN. For now, Irving and team president Masai Ujiri have both signaled a shared commitment to building alongside Cooper Flagg.
Ujiri said the front office believes Irving can thrive in the new system under coach Dusty May.
"We truly believe in [Irving]," said Ujiri. "We truly believe that he can succeed on our team. I truly believe that if we have the right players playing, we can really grow as a team in a new system with Dusty and a new culture we're trying to build. I truly believe that."
Trading Irving could help Dallas restock its draft assets. The Mavericks do not control their own first-round pick for the next four years because of deals made by former general manager Nico Harrison.
Irving holds a $42.4 million player option for next season, giving him control over his future.
The option could also allow Ujiri to delay any trade talks until next summer. Sign-and-trade or extend-and-trade scenarios could then become possible.
Irving has expressed no desire to leave Dallas, even after the Luka Doncic trade and two straight seasons without a playoff berth.
"I'm in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from a franchise aspect but also the fans," said Irving. "A lot of support around the city."
Irving missed all of last season while recovering from a torn left ACL suffered in March 2025. Irving remains on a minutes restriction as a precaution.
Kyrie Irving would command a robust trade market if the Dallas Mavericks made him available, sources told ESPN. For now, Irving and team president Masai Ujiri have both signaled a shared commitment to building alongside Cooper Flagg.
Ujiri said the front office believes Irving can thrive in the new system under coach Dusty May.
“We truly believe in [Irving],” said Ujiri. “We truly believe that he can succeed on our team. I truly believe that if we have the right players playing, we can really grow as a team in a new system with Dusty and a new culture we’re trying to build. I truly believe that.”
Irving holds a $42.4 million player option for next season, giving him control over his future.
The option could also allow Ujiri to delay any trade talks until next summer. Sign-and-trade or extend-and-trade scenarios could then become possible.
Irving has expressed no desire to leave Dallas, even after the Luka Doncic trade and two straight seasons without a playoff berth.
“I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from a franchise aspect but also the fans,” said Irving. “A lot of support around the city.”
Irving missed all of last season while recovering from a torn left ACL suffered in March 2025. Irving remains on a minutes restriction as a precaution.