Mavericks urged to move on from $119 million superstar via blockbuster trade

TL;DR

The Dallas Mavericks are encouraged to trade their $119 million superstar, Kyrie Irving, after a disappointing season. Irving, who missed the entire 2025-26 season due to injury, could still hold value if a trade is executed.

Key points

Dallas Mavericks finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record
Kyrie Irving missed the entire season due to a torn ACL
Irving was an All-Star the previous season, averaging 24.7 points

Dallas MavericksKyrie Irving

Mavericks urged to move on from $119 million superstar via blockbuster trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the Dallas Mavericks aren’t in win-now mode, they still have a massive offseason in front of them following an abysmal 26-56 finish to the 2025-26 season.

With the right moves, the 2011 NBA champions could set themselves up for success in the foreseeable future. While it’s unclear what the Mavericks would get in return, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz believes Dallas should move on from their 34-year-old superstar via a blockbuster trade.

"(Kyrie) Irving's value will be tough to determine until the 34-year-old returns to the court,” Swartz wrote last Wednesday. “He missed the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL, yet was brilliant (24.7 points on 40.1% from three) the year before while making his ninth All-Star game. He and the Mavs should agree to find a trade.”

Irving’s tenure with the Mavericks hasn’t been all negative. Just two seasons ago, Irving, along with former standout point guard Luka Doncic, guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2023 as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

Q&A

Why should the Mavericks trade Kyrie Irving?

The Mavericks are advised to trade Kyrie Irving to reshape their roster after a poor season and to capitalize on his potential value despite his injury.

What was Kyrie Irving's performance before his injury?

Before his injury, Kyrie Irving averaged 24.7 points per game and made his ninth All-Star appearance, showcasing his high level of play.

What are the implications of trading a $119 million player?

Trading a $119 million player like Kyrie Irving could significantly impact the Mavericks' salary cap and future roster construction, potentially leading to a more competitive team.