Mavericks predicted to trade $118M NBA champion for younger talent to pair with Cooper Flagg originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to see how the early part of the season plays out before making decisions to reshape the roster. NBA champion Kyrie Irving has been the subject of trade speculation all summer as the veteran guard prepares to return from an injury that caused him to miss last season.
While a trade remains a possibility, Irving has made it clear that he wants to play in Dallas.
“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with,” Irving said.
If it reaches the point where Irving wants to be traded, NBA insider Marc Spears believes the Mavericks' management would grant his wish.
“Masai also has a really good relationship as you mentioned with Kyrie Irving. I think it's the kind of relationship where if Kyrie says, hey, Masai, like, this isn't for me, I think they could work together to get something done. I don't think would be something ugly. I think there would be interest in Kyrie if he's as healthy as he looks,” Spears said.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes Dallas should trade Irving for draft capital and younger talent to build around Cooper Flagg.
“Suitors are surfacing already, and this season hasn't even tipped yet. Irving could be a great on-court fit with Flagg, and it would still make sense for Dallas, which doesn't control its first-round pick until 2031, to explore deals that swap out Irving for younger players, draft assets or a combination of the two,” Buckley wrote.
A trade could make sense because Irving is on an expiring contract, giving the Mavericks an opportunity to get value in return rather than risk losing him without compensation. The NBA champion could also land with a team that has a chance to compete for a championship.
Irving is in the final year of his $118 million contract with Dallas. The Mavericks face important decisions about their future, and acquiring valuable assets in an Irving trade could help them build around Flagg.
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