Here's a bombshell for NBA fans: Despite the seismic Anthony Davis trade, the Dallas Mavericks are standing firm on keeping Kyrie Irving. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this loyalty to Irving a smart move, or are the Mavs setting themselves up for future headaches? Let's dive into the latest rumors and unpack what this means for Dallas.
According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, the Mavericks have no plans to trade Irving before the 2026 deadline, despite shipping Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal. Clark suggests that Dallas is eyeing a core group featuring Cooper Flagg, Irving, Dereck Lively II, Christie, Naji Marshall, and their upcoming first-round pick. And this is the part most people miss... This lineup isn’t just about star power—it’s about building a sustainable, cost-effective foundation around Flagg, the Mavs’ rising star.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke down the Davis trade, which saw Dallas acquire Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round selections. Meanwhile, Irving’s status remains a question mark as he recovers from a torn left ACL, an injury he suffered late in the 2024-25 season. At 34 (as of March 24), Irving’s post-recovery performance is anyone’s guess, but the Mavs seem committed to seeing how he fits into their long-term plans.
Here’s the kicker: ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported back in November 2025 that Dallas has zero interest in trading Irving. This stance raises eyebrows, especially considering Irving’s age and injury history. Could the Mavs be overestimating his future impact? Or is there untapped potential in pairing him with Flagg, similar to his successful partnership with Luka Dončić that propelled Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals?
Speaking of success, Irving’s three-season stint with the Mavericks has been impressive, averaging 25.5 points and 5.1 assists per game on 49.0/40.4/91.7 shooting splits. If he can replicate even a fraction of that alongside Flagg, Dallas could be onto something special. But with the 2026 trade deadline looming (Thursday at 3 p.m. ET), the clock is ticking for the Mavs to decide whether Irving is a cornerstone or a trade chip.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Is Dallas wise to stick with Irving, or should they cash in while they still can? Could his pairing with Flagg be the next great NBA duo, or is this a recipe for disappointment? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
