Cooper Flagg reason rival teams haven't given up on trading for Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving’s future in Dallas is drawing renewed attention even though the Mavericks have shown little interest in changing course. The nine-time All-Star is expected to return from ACL recovery for the 2026-27 season, giving Dallas a chance to finally see him alongside teenage franchise centerpiece Cooper Flagg. Still, rival teams continue monitoring the situation as the season and trade deadline approach.

The Mavericks have repeatedly rejected offseason trade interest in Irving since mid-June. That stance has remained firm despite questions about how the veteran guard fits into Dallas’ longer-term plans beside Flagg. The unusual 15-year age gap between two players expected to anchor the roster has become the central reason rival teams remain curious.

Kyrie Irving trade questions grow as Mavericks weigh Cooper Flagg pairing

The pairing with Flagg gives Dallas another reason to stay patient. Flagg is 19 and represents the franchise’s youth-focused direction, while Irving is 34 and entering a different stage of his career. That unusual 15-year age gap has become one of the main reasons rival teams continue watching Dallas’ plans.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that rival teams are still monitoring the Mavericks and if they will maintain their position on trading Irving before the trade deadline.

“The Mavericks, as we've been writing since mid-June, have consistently swatted away trade interest this offseason in nine-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving,” Marc Stein wrote on Dallas' interest in trading Kyrie Irving. “Rival teams, however, continue to wonder aloud about how firmly Dallas will stick to that stance once the season begins and the next in-season trade deadline on Feb. 11 gradually approaches. The primary factor fueling that curiosity, of course, is the fact that Irving is 34 and Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg is 19. Not your average age gap between the team's two best players.”

Rival teams have previously inquired about Irving, including interest from Detroit and Minnesota, but Dallas has told teams he was unavailable. Prior to the February deadline, it is expected that other clubs may keep checking whether that answer changes.

For now, the key issue is not whether Irving is actively being shopped. He is not. The bigger question is whether his return, age, and fit beside Flagg eventually force Dallas to reconsider a position it has defended throughout the offseason.

The next stage of that evaluation will come once Irving is back on the court, and Dallas can judge the partnership through actual NBA games.

Kyrie Irving comeback could influence Mavericks deadline strategy

Irving’s return could provide Dallas with information it simply cannot get from offseason workouts. If he stays healthy and quickly establishes chemistry with Flagg, the Mavericks will have a stronger case for keeping their veteran guard through the season. If problems emerge, the trade market could become more relevant.

The deadline is set for Feb. 11, giving Dallas months to assess the roster before making any major decision. For Irving, the immediate priority is returning from ACL surgery and proving he can again operate as a high-level lead guard.

That timeline keeps the situation fluid without changing Dallas’ current stance. The Mavericks appear committed to starting the season with Irving and Flagg together, while rival teams will continue watching for any sign that the organization’s position has shifted.

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