Trade speculation surrounding Kyrie Irving continues to grow despite recent efforts by the Dallas Mavericks to publicly affirm their commitment to the veteran guard.
During a recent episode of Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook, NBA insider Jake Fischer predicted that Irving could ultimately be traded before the start of the season. However, Fischer does not believe the Minnesota Timberwolves are the most likely destination despite their need for additional ball-handling.
Fischer was asked whether there was any traction to a potential Irving-to-Minnesota scenario.
“Definitely Minnesota is in need of a major clear ball handler next to Anthony Edwards and they were looking at guys to do that. They bring back Ayo Dosunmu this summer and I think he’s probably the biggest addition we can expect for Minnesota at this juncture.”
Fischer then shared his broader outlook on Irving’s future in Dallas.
“But I don't necessarily believe that Kyrie will be on the Mavericks roster come opening night. There will be contending teams that make trade calls for Dallas.”
The comments come only weeks after newly hired Mavericks president Masai Ujiri appeared to shut down trade speculation involving Irving. Speaking to Abby Jones of DLLS Sports, Ujiri emphasized the organization's desire to see Irving share the court with rookie star Cooper Flagg.
“Kevin Durant once told me that there's only one Kyrie [Irving] walking around in the world,” Ujiri said. “I think we have to figure out a way, how Kyrie fits with our program.”
Jake Fischer predicts Mavericks' Kyrie Irving trade, but not to Timberwolves
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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
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Ujiri also described the Mavericks' interest in evaluating the partnership between Irving and Flagg.
“There's a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg. He’s just that kind of incredible talent type of player… and I think that we owe this organization.”
Despite those comments, rival executives are expected to monitor Irving's situation closely. The nine-time All-Star missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn ACL in March 2025, but he remains one of the league's most accomplished offensive players when healthy.
Minnesota, meanwhile, enters the offseason looking to rebound after a second-round playoff exit to the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in six games. The Timberwolves also face injury concerns, including the recovery of Donte DiVincenzo from a torn Achilles.
Whether Dallas ultimately entertains trade discussions involving Irving remains uncertain, but Fischer's prediction suggests the Mavericks could receive significant interest from contenders across the league in the months ahead.
Trade speculation surrounding Kyrie Irving continues to grow despite recent efforts by the Dallas Mavericks to publicly affirm their commitment to the veteran guard. During a recent episode of Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook, NBA insider Jake Fischer predicted that Irving could ultimately be traded before the start of the season.