Kyrie Irving is expected to be the most in-demand player at the NBA trade deadline, with Detroit among the teams identified as a potential suitor, according to Chris Mannix. The Dallas Mavericks could receive significant assets in return for the 34-year-old guard, Mannix said.
Mannix pointed to Detroit’s interest, saying the Pistons would be eager to acquire Irving.
Irving is in the second season of a three-year, $118.5 million contract that includes a player option for the final year. His contract and recent return from an ACL injury are important factors in any potential trade discussions.
Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from the injury. In five appearances for Dallas in 2026-27, he is averaging 21.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 28.6 minutes per game, shooting 52.7% from the field and 39% from three-point range.
The guard previously averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 58 games during the 2023-24 season. He followed that with 24.7 points per game across 50 appearances in 2024-25.
Detroit has Cade Cunningham averaging 22.2 points and 7.2 assists through six games this season. Daniss Jenkins is contributing 11.2 points and 4.0 assists, while the Pistons have also added Duncan Robinson, who is averaging 16.8 points.
Dallas, meanwhile, has Cooper Flagg averaging 26.8 points, 6.6 assists and 6.0 rebounds through five games. Irving and Flagg are both averaging more than 21 points per game, giving the Mavericks two major offensive contributors early in the season.
