Mavericks deal major setback to rivals in firm Kyrie Irving trade decision

Nairavoice | Aug 3, 2026 1h ago 95 0 2 min read

d4dc50bb63da72277e8df0e55b581671 Mavericks deal major setback to rivals in firm Kyrie Irving trade decision

Mavericks deal major setback to rivals in firm Kyrie Irving trade decision originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Dallas Mavericks finally have a real plan for next season. A few weeks ago, everyone was whispering that the Mavs wanted to trade Kyrie Irving since he missed the whole year. But now, the front office knows exactly what they want to do with the nine-time All-Star guard for the 2026-27 season.

The Mavs’ last season was doomed from the start. Kyrie tore his ACL back in March 2025 against the Kings and had to sit out the entire year. It was the first time in his 15-year career he ever missed a full season. Klay Thompson was out there, but with all the injuries on the team, he just never found his rhythm.

Things got more difficult when the Mavs traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards midseason. That left everything on the shoulders of their rookie, Cooper Flagg.

As the No. 1 pick, Flagg carried the team at his best. He averaged 21 points, about 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 70 games and won Rookie of the Year. The Mavs still had a rough year with 26-56 record and missed the playoffs, but now they are super excited to see what Cooper Flagg can do next to a completely healthy Irving.

Multiple contenders reportedly checking in, with the Philadelphia 76ers also mentioned once in trade chatter. However, Dallas recently shut that speculation down entirely.

Per Spotrac’s Keith Smith, a Mavericks front office executive said, “He keeps getting put in all kinds of rumors, but we’re not looking to move Kyrie and Kyrie isn’t looking to be moved either. We didn’t get to see him with Cooper (Flagg) last year, but we’re very excited to see that pairing this year.”

Irving is reportedly fully healed from the ACL tear, with the Mavs expecting him back at full strength for opening night. Dallas Nation will look forward to seeing how the Flagg and Irving combination early in 2026-27 will shape expectations after back-to-back lottery finishes.