ESPN’s MacMahon: Mavericks Not Shopping Kyrie Irving Despite Outside Trade Talk
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Amid a tumultuous start to the season and continued front-office changes, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly dismissing external speculation that guard Kyrie Irving could be moved before the 2025-26 campaign.
During an appearance on the “Howdy Partners” podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said the organization has shown no interest in dealing Irving. “The only way I think Kyrie Irving would get traded is if he went to the Mavericks and asked for that to happen,” MacMahon stated, adding that he has “no information that points in that direction.”
MacMahon emphasized that Dallas views Irving—acquired from Brooklyn in February 2023—as a key veteran presence alongside No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who will not turn 19 for several more weeks. The franchise, he said, has no intention of “handing the entire operation to a teenager.”
Earlier comments by MacMahon suggesting Irving might sit out the 2025-26 season were clarified on Wednesday. He explained that the Mavericks control their own first-round pick in 2026—the only one they will hold during Flagg’s rookie contract—making this year the lone season in which a poor record could benefit the club’s draft outlook.
Dallas enters play at 5-14 with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching. While the return of Anthony Davis—sidelined the past 14 games by a calf strain—is expected to provide a short-term boost, MacMahon indicated the Mavericks are more likely to shop the veteran big man than to consider offers for Irving.
Irving, 31, is in the first season of a three-year, $118.5 million contract signed during the summer.
Source: Hoops Wire
