The Dallas Mavericks are expected to receive trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving this offseason despite the veteran guard missing the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that league executives anticipate teams will explore Irving’s availability “whether they want it or not,” even after the 34-year-old spent the full season sidelined. The situation adds another layer to a pivotal offseason for a Mavericks franchise already reshaping its front office and coaching staff.
Irving is entering the second season of a three-year, $118 million contract that includes a player option in the final year. Dallas signed him to the deal last summer while fully aware that his recovery timeline likely would keep him out until the 2026-27 campaign.
The Mavericks finished 26-56 and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season, leading to major organizational changes. New team president Masai Ujiri has taken control of basketball operations after replacing the previous leadership structure, while Dallas also parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd earlier this week.
The uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future arrives during a broader reset built around rookie forward Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 overall pick averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 70 games during his first NBA season and quickly became the focal point of the franchise’s long-term plans.
The roster struggled offensively throughout the 2025-26 season without Irving available. Dallas lacked consistent perimeter creation and finished near the bottom of the Western Conference despite strong production from Flagg and several rotation contributors.
The Mavericks’ recent front office changes have only intensified speculation about potential roster movement. Executive Matt Riccardi departed the organization Tuesday as Ujiri continued consolidating basketball operations under his leadership.
Leaguewide interest in Irving does not necessarily mean Dallas intends to move him. The franchise invested heavily in the former All-Star less than a year ago, and the organization could still view his eventual return as a key part of building a competitive roster around Flagg.
