Dallas is committed to Cooper Flagg. What does that mean for Kyrie Irving?

As the NBA Draft approaches, the Dallas Mavericks appear to be building around Cooper Flagg as the franchise’s new centerpiece. The 19-year-old forward, fresh off a standout rookie season, is viewed as the team’s best long-term foundation and a player capable of taking on major leadership responsibilities. That shift raises questions about the future of Kyrie Irving, who is now 34 and recovering from an ACL injury, making his role with Dallas uncertain.

Irving’s contract adds another layer to the discussion. He is set to earn $39,491,282 next season, a salary that could make him a key piece in a larger roster reset. If the Mavericks decide to move him, they would open up significant financial flexibility. That space could be used in a blockbuster pursuit of a star such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose salary is projected at about $58.5 million. Pairing a player of that caliber with Flagg would give Dallas an elite top-end core and dramatically raise the team’s ceiling.

A trade involving Irving could also be used to spread the salary slot across several contributors rather than chase one superstar. Dallas could target more affordable options such as Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, or Quentin Grimes, building a deeper and more balanced rotation around Flagg. The Mavericks also hold two first-round picks, which could be used to improve a trade package and surprise the league with a deal for a major name.

Possible targets in a bold Irving move could include Bam Adebayo, Domantas Sabonis, or Darius Garland, though any such deal would require careful navigation of salary cap rules and roster construction. The article notes that making an NBA trade work is never simple, especially when high-salaried players and multiple assets are involved. Dallas would need to ensure that any incoming pieces fit both financially and on the court.

Another speculative option mentioned is Memphis guard Ja Morant. While his future with the Grizzlies appears uncertain and his value may be lower than in the past, he remains an explosive talent. In a Flagg-centered lineup, Morant could create a terrifying offensive pairing, though his risk factors make such a move highly controversial. Still, the idea of pairing Morant’s athleticism with Flagg’s versatility is intriguing, and if it worked, it could transform Dallas into one of the league’s most dangerous teams.

Ultimately, the piece frames Dallas as a team at a crossroads: committed to Cooper Flagg, but still deciding whether Kyrie Irving remains part of the long-term plan or becomes the centerpiece of a major trade that reshapes the roster.