Kyrie Irving reportedly bring off trade block is the clearest sign yet of what Mavericks are building
Kyrie Irving reportedly bring off trade block is the clearest sign yet of what Mavericks are building originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Kyrie Irving’s trade speculation gained significant momentum this offseason as the Minnesota Timberwolves became increasingly desperate for a playmaking guard to complement Anthony Edwards.
Since May, they have emerged as a serious suitor. NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported that Edwards had privately advocated for a healthy Irving to join him in Minnesota, believing the veteran guard’s shot creation and late-game playmaking could elevate the Wolves into true championship territory.
A source close to the situation reportedly said, “Ant has a mutual respect for Kyrie and for what he’s done in this league. If Kyrie came, it would be sweet.”
His fit with the Timberwolves appeared logical in theory, as they lacked a true playmaking point guard, and that weakness was exposed in the 2026 NBA playoffs, when they had only Mike Conley as a true point guard.
Irving, a nine-time All-Star averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games before tearing his ACL in March 2025, checked every box Minnesota needed heading into the new season, especially after they were eliminated in the second round by the San Antonio Spurs. But Dallas shut it down before it could go anywhere.
According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks are telling interested teams that Kyrie Irving is unavailable. Despite receiving multiple trade calls this offseason, the front office left everyone empty-handed. This matches public comments from new team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, who both want to see Irving play alongside number one overall pick Cooper Flagg.
And this strategy makes practical sense. Irving’s trade value is low after missing an entire season. Dallas has no reason to sell low on their nine-time All-Star. Instead, keeping Irving gives the Mavs an experienced floor general to mentor Flagg, who was the only bright spot in the last season.
And if the Mavs won’t change their stance, Ant and the Timberwolves will have to look elsewhere for a playmaking guard who can help them last season.
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