Multiple NBA contenders are actively monitoring the availability of Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving following a series of major organizational changes in Dallas, including the firing of head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
The Mavericks are reshaping their franchise around 19-year-old rookie of the year Cooper Flagg under the direction of new team president Masai Ujiri, who took over basketball operations after general manager Nico Harrison was dismissed in November.
Irving, a 34-year-old nine-time All-Star, has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract worth $39.5 million for the 2026-27 season, followed by a $42 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
The veteran point guard missed the entire 2025-26 regular season while recovering from a torn ACL, meaning he has yet to share the court with Flagg, who averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during his rookie campaign.
Ujiri's Vision for the Future
Addressing reporters on Wednesday following Kidd's dismissal, Ujiri expressed interest in evaluating how the veteran guard meshes with the newly drafted cornerstone player before making long-term roster decisions.
"Kevin Durant once told me that there's only one Kyrie walking around in the world," said Ujiri.
The newly appointed executive elaborated on his ongoing discussions with the veteran guard regarding his placement in the rebuilt team culture.
"I think we have to figure out a way how Kyrie fits with our program.
I've had those conversations with Kyrie, up 'till yesterday, and I think Kyrie will fit.
I've said it before: there's a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg.
He's just that kind of incredible talent and player, and I think we owe this organization that," said Ujiri.
Ujiri emphasized that the organization is fully committed to building a long-term contender around their teenage star rather than seeking immediate shortcuts.
"Every decision we are going to make here is going to be future-based," said Ujiri.
The team executive underscored that the presence of a generational talent dictates a shift away from win-now transactions.
"We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster, and we have to think that way. We're not going to make decisions based on winning today.
I don't think that would make sense for the organization," said Ujiri.
Despite Ujiri's public stance, league insiders report significant outside trade interest, with individual contenders tracking the situation closely to see if Dallas decides to accumulate future assets.
"Multiple contenders are keeping an eye on Irving right now," reported ESPN's Shams Charania.
The league insider noted that the structure of Irving's contract presents a specific timeline for interested front offices.
"He's got a guaranteed year left on his deal and then he's got a player option, so that does give him some leverage on his future.
He's 34 years old, he's a championship player in this league, but he's got a level of equity in Dallas.
We know he's put a lot of equity into Flagg, his development this year.
So [team president] Masai Ujiri has hinted, 'We want to see these two guys [together],' but what's the vision and how much can they show Irving that [they] want him to be a part of this?"
reported Charania.
The Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves are among the teams linked to potential pursuit, with reporter Brandon Robinson stating that Houston is ready to spark a bidding war for the guard.
The Mavericks lack significant draft capital after trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, which eventually brought back Max Christie and a 2029 pick, followed by trading Anthony Davis to Washington for draft assets.
