Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors Updated by NBA Insider with Latest Intel from 'Rival Teams'

Even though Kyrie Irving would seem less likely now to be moved before the NBA trade deadline in February with the Dallas Mavericks off to a strong start, that won't stop opposing clubs from at least kicking the tires to see if something can happen.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, "rival teams" around the league still view Irving as someone who would generate significant trade interest because is the one potential target who can "truly change the playoff landscape" if a deal were to come together.

Any concerns about Irving's ability coming off a torn ACL that kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season have so far been alleviated. The 34-year-old is averaging 21.6 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting (39.0 percent from three) in 10 starts.

The Mavs have managed Irving's minutes so far this season. He is averaging 30.1 minutes per contest, which would be the fewest of his career if it stays at that level.

Despite the hiring of Masai Ujiri as team president in May, he has shown no inclination toward trading Irving. He said prior to the start of the season the organization "truly" believes in the nine-time All-Star and he can be part of what they want to build around Cooper Flagg.

The Flagg-Irving pairing has been working great so far. They have led the Mavs to a 7-5 record, including wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.

Thursday's 133-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves did pour some cold water on the Mavs' start.

Irving's contract situation also presents an interesting dilemma for Ujiri when thinking about the trade deadline. He has a $42.4 million player option for next season.

Assuming Irving remains healthy and continues to play well, it's reasonable to believe he would opt out for a multiyear deal. His age doesn't line up with the rebuilding timeline centered around Flagg, but the Mavs have plenty of financial wiggle room in the short-term because they don't have significant contracts on their books.

Flagg isn't eligible to sign an extension until the summer of 2028 and that deal wouldn't even kick in until the 2029-30 season. PJ Washington is currently Dallas' only player under contract with a guaranteed salary over $20 million in 2027-28.

Ujiri set this season up to be an evaluation period for this Mavs group. The early returns have been strong, but plenty of things can change between now and the Feb. 11 trade deadline that could make Irving a potential trade target.

Given the high number of injuries to star players that have already occurred this season, the Mavericks might be able to leverage those teams into securing a significant haul for Irving if they want to go in that direction.