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The Dallas Mavericks are entering a new era and placing greater emphasis on building around Cooper Flagg. This new chapter began during the 2025-26 season when the franchise moved on from several veterans. However, the team retained Kyrie Irving, who opted to sit out the entire season to focus on recovering from a knee injury.
The Mavericks’ new management has made several major moves in recent weeks, including the dismissal of head coach Jason Kidd, who played a key role in recruiting Irving to Dallas. With both his coach and close friend gone, many are wondering how much longer Irving will remain with the franchise.
The nine-time All-Star has been linked to multiple trade rumors. One scenario would send him to the Detroit Pistons, who are reportedly in need of a veteran playmaker. Another rumor has Irving joining the Houston Rockets, who struggled in the playoffs because of a lack of playmaking after Fred VanVleet suffered a season-ending injury.
New Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri is expected to be active in the trade market, but former owner Mark Cuban believes there is one thing the organization must do first: put some respect on Irving’s name.
“The first thing you do is talk to Kyrie. You do whatever Kyrie wants, because that’s what Kyrie has earned,” Cuban said during an appearance on the “House of Haymaker” podcast.
“He’s not just some guy. He got us to the Finals — not alone, obviously — but he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber superstar who plays his heart out every minute of every game. He’s also one of the best people you’ll ever meet. You ask Kyrie, ‘What do you want to do?’ And that’s what you do.”
Ujiri said that he is curious to see the dynamics between Flagg and Irving, killing any idea that they will trade the veteran.
Any potential trade involving Irving would likely depend on his health. According to the veteran guard, his recovery is nearly complete.
“I am definitely close to being over at 100% in terms of my ACL recovery,” he said during a Twitch stream.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“It’s been a while now, a year and change, I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time to heal and just experiment with my body more on the court and off court in the weight room, and just pushing myself to the limit.”
Irving has served as a mentor to Flagg even if he did not suit up the entire year. The 2026 Rookie of the Year is thankful for his mentorship. In case he returns, he will find a team without a starting center after the team. sent away Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards last February.
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The Mavericks’ new management has made several major moves in recent weeks, including the dismissal of head coach Jason Kidd, who played a key role in recruiting Irving to Dallas. With both his coach and close friend gone, many are wondering how much longer Irving will remain with the franchise.
The nine-time All-Star has been linked to multiple trade rumors. One scenario would send him to the Detroit Pistons, who are reportedly in need of a veteran playmaker. Another rumor has Irving joining the Houston Rockets, who struggled in the playoffs because of a lack of playmaking after Fred VanVleet suffered a season-ending injury.
New Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri is expected to be active in the trade market, but former owner Mark Cuban believes there is one thing the organization must do first: put some respect on Irving’s name.
“The first thing you do is talk to Kyrie. You do whatever Kyrie wants, because that’s what Kyrie has earned,” Cuban said during an appearance on the “House of Haymaker” podcast.
“He’s not just some guy. He got us to the Finals — not alone, obviously — but he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber superstar who plays his heart out every minute of every game. He’s also one of the best people you’ll ever meet. You ask Kyrie, ‘What do you want to do?’ And that’s what you do.”
Ujiri said that he is curious to see the dynamics between Flagg and Irving, killing any idea that they will trade the veteran.
Kyrie Irving makes recovery update
Any potential trade involving Irving would likely depend on his health. According to the veteran guard, his recovery is nearly complete.
“I am definitely close to being over at 100% in terms of my ACL recovery,” he said during a Twitch stream.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“It’s been a while now, a year and change, I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time to heal and just experiment with my body more on the court and off court in the weight room, and just pushing myself to the limit.”
Irving has served as a mentor to Flagg even if he did not suit up the entire year. The 2026 Rookie of the Year is thankful for his mentorship. In case he returns, he will find a team without a starting center after the team. sent away Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards last February.
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