Jason Burgos
Earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks finally found a new head of basketball operations when they hired former Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. Well, it didn’t take the one-time executive long to make his first big move, and that came on Tuesday night when he ousted Hall of Famer Jason Kidd as head coach.
However, Ujiri may not be done yet when it comes to big changes. There were recent rumblings that the team will consider trading nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving during the season if he can prove he is fully healthy after working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in March of 2025. Well, they may not have to wait that long.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “there is an anticipation leaguewide that the Mavericks are likely to receive trade interest in Irving this offseason, whether they want it or not.” If Dallas did seriously consider trade offers for the player that missed all of the 2025-26 season, let’s look at five teams that might pursue a deal.
Minnesota Timberwolves
After coming up short in the semifinals of the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves are a lock to try to make a big move that can get them into the NBA Finals next spring. They have been linked to potential trade for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Kevin Durant over the last couple of years. If they can’t make a deal for any of those players this summer, Irving could be an intriguing backup option.
There is certainly risk in the deal. However, Irving would come at a cheaper cost than Antetokounmpo or Durant. Especially since he has two years and $81 million left on his contract. However, if he can return to be close to the All-Star he was 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 they badly need another impact scorer to pair with top star Cade Cunningham. A trade for a 34-year-old coming off an ACL tear isn’t a typical Pistons move, but the price might make it a realistic option.
If healthy, Irving would be a fantastic No. 2 scorer to Cunningham in 2026-27.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers seem to be rebuilding. They traded James Harden and were able to get the fifth pick in the NBA Draft by moving 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 next month to bring in another star.
That might be too high a price for Irving. However, if LA isn’t hit with huge draft penalties for the Aspiration scandal, using a future pick to pair Irving up with Leonard, and whoever they get with the No. 5 pick, could lead to a pretty 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 suggested the team pondered a trade for Ja Morant. If they were open to that idea, why not a move for Irving instead? At least he is less volatile and has played better in the last couple of years.
If they lose Norman Powell in free agency, the Heat need to fill his scoring void. If healthy, a 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 go forward with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis as the new faces of the franchise. However, if they want to at least make a run at a play-in spot next season, they need more offensive thump.
They certainly have the assets to get a trade done and are at such a low point that they would take the risk of adding a 34-year-old coming off ACL surgery and having over $80 million still owed to him.
