As the Dallas Mavericks gear up to choose Cooper Flagg's future running mate in the 2026 NBA Draft, buzz around Kyrie Irving has been its own topic lately. But apparently, with the help of NBA insider Marc Stein, he helped put those rumors to bed.
In Stein's latest article (subscription required), he says the Mavericks have informed teams that Irving will not be available in any trade discussions. Irving is coming off an ACL injury from early in 2025, and while it may take him a bit for us to see Irving play like his usual self, the question remains whether he can be his usual self once again at age 34.
Irving is supposed to be the veteran leader of the team, but Flagg is supposed to be the new face of the city. It would be a travesty not to see them both on the court together, and while the Mavs are clearly looking to build around Flagg instead of Irving, they need both the youngster and the vet on the court together.
The Mavericks aren't looking to move Kyrie Irving according to reports
It's fair to want to move Irving, but only for the right package. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Irving, but the Mavs will only approve the deal if it makes sense. One insider said that Edwards had been privately advocating for Irving, but it looks like Edwards will have to look elsewhere for his point guard.
On the other hand, with Irving's injury, the market for him may be depressing, but even if it is, the Mavs can do the next best thing and keep him, and it looks like that's what's going to happen.
Irving came to Dallas in 2023 as one of the best trade additions the Mavericks have ever received, and he's been nothing short of remarkable with his otherworldly dribbling and shot creation. Without him, there's no way the Mavs make the NBA Finals in 2024, and sometimes, we need to remember how great he is.
The Mavs have a great plan here by sticking with Irving and having him next to Flagg. The 19-year-old needs all the mentorship he can get, and Irving is the perfect leader on the perfect team to help Flagg in the right direction.
The only next piece of the puzzle is finding the right coach for Flagg, but you also want to find someone that Irving can gel with. A lot still to figure out with the careers of Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington. But according to Stein, Irving is off the market, and that's a blessing.
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