Mavs 'Believe In' Kyrie Irving, Masai Ujiri Says amid Latest NBA Trade Rumors

Kyrie Irving found his name in trade rumors over the offseason, but Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri made it clear that the team values their veteran point guard.

Ujiri said the Mavs "truly believe in" Irving on the Hoop Collective podcast.

"Kyrie, as a player, we truly believe in him. We truly believe that he can succeed on our team," Ujiri said (15:20 mark). "I truly believe that, if we have the right players playing, we can really grow as a team in a new system with Dusty (May) and a new culture that we're trying to build."

Several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, reportedly have interest in trading for Irving, but the Mavs may be interested in keeping him around to help as they enter a new era under head coach Dusty May.

The 34-year-old Irving missed all of the 2025-26 campaign because of a torn ACL, but he was highly productive in his last healthy season, putting up 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

Dallas perhaps isn't expecting to compete for a championship this year, but it should be in for a year of growth as Cooper Flagg progresses and May settles in as head coach.

Having a veteran player with championship experience like Irving can certainly help expedite a rebuild.