Kyrie Irving's Mavs Future Addressed by Masai Ujiri, Drops Kevin Durant Quote amid NBA Trade Rumors

New Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri offered a strong suggestion on Wednesday that Kyrie Irving will remain with the organization.

Amidst the firing of head coach Jason Kidd, Ujiri said he's curious to see how Irving will fit on the court next to Cooper Flagg after the veteran point guard missed the entire 2025-26 season as he recovered from a torn ACL.

"I've had those conversations with Kyrie, up until yesterday, and I think Kyrie will fit," he noted. "There's a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Flagg. He's just that kind of incredible talent and player. And I think we owe that to this organization."

His comments came on the same day ESPN's Shams Charania suggested Irving was viewed as a potential trade target for contenders this summer:

The addition of Ujiri and the firing of Kidd suggests that major changes are coming to the Mavericks, though most of those decisions—at least when it comes to the roster—will hinge on what surrounds Flagg with the most complementary talent. The 19-year-old was fantastic as a rookie, averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Having a perimeter playmaker and a dose of instant offense like Irving should take a lot of pressure off Flagg's shoulders, as will whoever the team selects with the No. 9 overall pick. The Mavericks are charting a new course with Flagg as the compass.