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The Dallas Mavericks have discussed making a major decision on Kyrie Irving's injury return amid more Anthony Davis trade rumors and drama.
More than a year after trading franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks delivered another shock to the league, dealing Anthony Davis — the centerpiece of that Dončić blockbuster — to the Washington Wizards.
The move immediately changed Dallas’ trajectory. And with the trade deadline looming, it raised an inevitable question across the league: Is Kyrie Irving next?
Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors Quieted After Anthony Davis Deal
For now, the answer appears to be no.
Speaking on Wednesday on NBA Today, Andscape’s Marc J. Spears said Irving remains committed to the Mavericks despite the seismic roster shakeup.
“Doesn’t look so,” Spears said when asked if Irving could be moved. “It’s almost a year since he had his ACL injury, and I talked to his agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, just a second ago. She said that Kyrie is just processing the changes, and he’s still committed to Dallas. A source close to the Mavericks told me that they believe Kyrie is still committed to the Mavericks as well.”
Spears added that while there are still roughly 24 hours left before the deadline — “a lot could happen” — Irving has continued working out as he rehabs and remains aligned with the organization.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst: Mavericks Should Not Rush Irving Back
While Irving’s short-term future in Dallas appears stable, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested the Mavericks should take a longer view — and avoid pushing Irving back into action this season.
“They shouldn’t bring him back. They shouldn’t win,” Windhorst said on NBA Today. “Everybody involved here should tank. And quite frankly, they don’t have to trade Kyrie because they’ve done the hard work.”
Windhorst argued that the Davis trade fundamentally changed Dallas’ financial picture, removing the threat of massive luxury-tax payments for a roster that was no longer properly aligned.
“They can bring Kyrie back next year with Cooper Flagg, and if they don’t like the fit, they can trade Kyrie,” Windhorst added.
Jason Kidd Provides Update on Kyrie Irving Injury Timeline
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd echoed the cautious approach last month, indicating Irving is unlikely to return until after the All-Star break.
Irving has yet to resume full practices as he continues rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee, which was surgically repaired on March 26. Kidd said Irving has “no timeline” for a return, adding only that the veteran guard is “in good spirits” and “feels great.”
The uncertainty reinforces the notion that Dallas’ focus has shifted away from short-term wins toward long-term positioning.
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Trade Returns Modest Draft Capital
The Davis trade itself signaled that pivot.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Dallas sent Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-rounders.
The draft haul, however, was widely viewed as underwhelming.
Charania later clarified that Dallas received a 2026 first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder and a top-20–protected 2030 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors, along with second-round picks in 2026 (Phoenix), 2027 (Chicago) and 2029 (Houston).
With Oklahoma City positioned as a perennial contender, the 2026 pick projects to land in the back end of the first round. The Warriors’ 2030 selection only conveys if it falls between Nos. 21 and 30, otherwise converting into second-rounders.
Bobby Marks: Dallas Gains Long-Term Flexibility Around Cooper Flagg
Despite the modest return, ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks said the trade dramatically improved Dallas’ long-term flexibility.
“The Mavericks now have the resources, starting with a likely lottery pick (and a late first) and financial/roster resources to build their roster around Cooper Flagg,” Marks wrote. “Dallas has $150 million in guaranteed money next year, well below the tax and apron.”
For this season, Dallas dropped below the luxury tax and both aprons, creating room to accumulate additional assets before the deadline.
What Comes Next for Mavericks and Kyrie Irving
The Davis deal closed one chapter and opened another. For now, Irving remains part of Dallas’ plans — not as a trade chip, but as a potential bridge into the next era.
Whether that era ultimately includes Irving alongside Cooper Flagg or uses his contract as future leverage remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Mavericks are no longer chasing the present. They are positioning for what comes next.