If Kyrie Irving's name keeps popping up in trade rumors, Mark Cuban believes Dallas should start with a simple conversation.
The former [Mavericks](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nba/dallas-mavericks) owner said on the House of Haymaker podcast that Irving has earned the right to be part of any discussion about his future. While Cuban no longer has final say under the Adelson-Dumont ownership group, his comments offer a glimpse into how he believes the organization should handle one of the biggest decisions of the offseason.
"The first thing you do is talk to Kyrie," Cuban [said](https://www.hitc.com/mark-cuban-shares-how-mavericks-should-treat-kyrie-irving-amid-growing-trade-rumors/). "You do whatever Kyrie wants, because that's what Kyrie has earned."
Cuban's comments stand out because Irving has already justified Dallas' gamble on him. The partnership with Luka Doncic did not click immediately after the 2023 trade, but Irving eventually became one of the biggest reasons the Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals. He averaged 25.6 points during the 2023-24 season and gave Dallas the secondary star it needed during that playoff run.
Cuban made it clear that his view goes beyond basketball production.
"He's not just some guy," Cuban said. "He got us to the Finals, not alone obviously, but he's a Hall of Fame superstar who plays his heart out every minute of every game. Just one of the best humans that you can meet."
The timing of those comments is notable because questions about Irving's future have only grown louder. Jake Fischer recently reported there is skepticism around the league that Irving will still be on Dallas' roster when next season begins. Other reports have explored potential destinations, including speculation about teams looking for another high-level creator.
That puts the Mavericks in an interesting spot.
On one hand, Irving is coming off an ACL injury and turns 34 next season. Dallas also just drafted Cooper Flagg, giving the franchise a new centerpiece to build around. Every major roster move will now be judged by one question, does it help maximize Flagg's chances of winning?
On the other hand, Irving is not a typical veteran whose value can be reduced to contracts and draft picks. He helped deliver the franchise's deepest playoff run since 2011 and remains one of the league's most respected stars. How Dallas handles him will be noticed by players around the NBA.
That's where Cuban's argument becomes more interesting than the trade rumors themselves.
The real issue is not whether the Mavericks should keep Irving or move him. It's whether the organization believes a player of Irving's stature deserves a voice in that decision. Cuban's answer was straightforward. The new front office, led by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz, may ultimately see it differently.
If Dallas keeps Irving, he could return later in the season and give Flagg an elite shot creator beside him. If the Mavericks decide to trade him, they can either work with Irving on a preferred destination or chase the best offer available regardless of his wishes.
Both paths have basketball logic behind them. Only one follows the approach Cuban believes Irving has earned.
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