There’s growing chatter across the league that Dallas’ new front office is gearing up to be very active during the upcoming NBA trade deadline in February. However, don’t count on Kyrie Irving being moved. Instead, the focus is expected to be on potential trades involving Anthony Davis.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon, consistent with previous reports, confirmed that Dallas has no intention of trading Kyrie Irving anytime soon. The priority instead lies in evaluating what the Mavericks can offer to acquire Anthony Davis.
Kyrie, currently recovering from ACL surgery but possibly returning this season, carries a hefty contract ($35.6 million this year, $39.5 million guaranteed next year, and a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28). Although his contract makes him a tempting asset, the Mavericks would likely require an extraordinary offer to consider trading him.
The situation with Davis is quite different. He’s set to make his return tonight against the Lakers after missing 14 games due to a calf strain. For trade talks to gain traction, Davis must prove his value by staying healthy and performing at an All-Star or even All-NBA level through December and January.
Trading Davis is complicated by several factors: he’s 32 (turning 33 in March), has a history of injuries, carries a massive $54.1 million salary this season with $58.5 million guaranteed next year, and aims for a contract extension this summer. While rumors link teams like Chicago, Golden State, New York, and Phoenix to Davis, financial constraints and Dallas’ hard salary cap limit make executing a trade very difficult. For instance, a “win-now” scenario involving Golden State would require a trade involving Jimmy Butler or a package with Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, which seems impractical for both teams.
Despite persistent trade rumors, fans should understand that Kyrie Irving is off the table this season.
Fan Take: This buzz around Dallas’ trade plans is crucial because it highlights the Mavericks’ strategic direction under new management and their aim to build a contender. If they do manage to land a high-impact player like Anthony Davis, it could shake up the league and create exciting new rivalries, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
