Mavericks expected to keep Kyrie Irving, but trade door stays open

NBA insiders say Dallas has rejected trade interest in Kyrie Irving, though a difficult start could reopen talks before the February deadline.

The Dallas Mavericks have spent the offseason reshaping their leadership, hiring head coach Dusty May and a new general manager, and much of the roster discussion has centered on guard Kyrie Irving.

SI's Austin Veazey reported that Mavericks decision-makers Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz expect Irving to remain in Dallas, viewing him as a fit alongside 19-year-old forward Cooper Flagg. Irving is 34 and returning from an ACL injury; Veazey noted it will have been 19 months since his last NBA game when he returns in October.

The Stein Line's Marc Stein reported that Dallas has consistently rejected trade interest in the nine-time All-Star this offseason, while rival teams question whether that stance will hold as the Feb. 11 trade deadline approaches.

NBA insider Marc Spears added that the relationship between Irving and the front office is strong enough that a trade request would likely be handled cooperatively rather than contentiously, and that there would be league interest in Irving if he is healthy.

For now, Irving wants to stay in Dallas, but a slow start to the season could change the outlook for both the player and the franchise.