Earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks finally got a new head of basketball operations when they hired former Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. Well, it didn’t take long for the one-time executive to make his first big move and it happened on Tuesday night when he fired Hall of Famer Jason Kidd as head coach.
However, Ujiri may not be done yet when it comes to major changes. There were recent rumors that the team would consider trading nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving during the season if he can prove he is fully healthy after returning from a torn ACL in March 2025. Well, they may not have to wait that long.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “There is fear all over the world that the Mavericks are likely to receive trade interest in Irving this offseason, whether they want it or not.” If Dallas has seriously considered trade offers for a player who misses the 2025-26 season, let’s take a look at five teams that could make a deal.
minnesota timberwolves
After falling short in the semifinals of the NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to make a big move that could send them to the NBA Finals next spring. They have been linked to a potential trade for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Kevin Durant over the past few years. If they can’t make a deal for either of those players this summer, Irving could be an interesting backup option.
There is definitely risk in the deal. However, Irving would come at a cheaper price than Antetokounmpo or Durant. Especially when he has two years and $81 million left on his contract. However, if he can return as an All-Star closer in 2024-25, the combo of Irving and Anthony Edwards could be dynamite.
detroit pistons
While the Detroit Pistons showed during the regular season that they are ready to be a force in the East right now, the playoffs proved that they are in desperate need of another impact scorer to pair with top star Cade Cunningham. Trading the 34-year-old coming off an ACL tear isn’t a typical Pistons move, but the price could make it a realistic option.
If healthy, Irving would be a great No. 2 scorer for Cunningham in 2026-27.
los angeles clippers
It appears that the Los Angeles Clippers are rebuilding. They traded James Harden and were able to acquire the fifth pick in the NBA draft by transferring Ivica Zubac. Yet, they still have Kawhi Leonard and were in contention for a playoff spot last month. Some around the league think they might even consider trading their first-rounder to bring in another star next month.
This may be too high a price for Irving. However, if LA isn’t hit with a heavy draft penalty for the Aspiration Scandal, using a future pick to pair Irving with Leonard, and whoever they get with the No. 5 pick, could lead to a very good team next season.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are likely to be star hunting this summer after a disappointing finish to the 2025-26 season. Before this year’s trade deadline, reports surfaced that the team was considering a trade for Ja Morant. If they were open to that idea, why not make a move for Irving instead? At least he’s less volatile and has played better over the years.
If they lose Norman Powell in free agency, the Heat will need to fill their scoring void. If healthy, the trio of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kyrie Irving could make some noise in the East next season.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are in rebuilding mode and plan to move forward with Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis as the new faces of the franchise. However, they need more attacking punch if they want to at least make a run for a play-in spot next season.
They certainly have the assets to trade and are at such a low point that they would risk adding a 34-year-old coming off ACL surgery and still owed over $80 million.
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