1 month ago
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The Dallas Mavericks have an interesting season ahead of them after practically cleaning house and bringing in a new general manager and head coach. Dallas is also figuring out what to do with its roster.
There have been reports that teams will monitor the trade status of Kyrie Irving as the season goes on.
“The Mavericks, as we've been writing since mid-June, have consistently swatted away trade interest this offseason in nine-times-an-All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Rival teams, however, continue to wonder aloud about how firmly Dallas will stick to that stance once the season begins and the next in-season trade deadline on Feb. 11 gradually approaches. The primary factor fueling that curiosity, of course, is that fact that Irving is 34 and Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg is 19. Not your average age gap between the team's two best players,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote.
Irving is an interesting piece of this puzzle, as he really doesn’t fit the Mavericks’ timeline. NBA insider Marc J. Spears believes that if Irving wants out, management would allow him to seek a trade.
“Masai also has a really good relationship as you mentioned with Kyrie Irving. I think it's the kind of relationship where if Kyrie says, hey, Masai, like, this isn't for me, I think they could work together to get something done. I don't think would be something ugly. I think there would be interest in Kyrie if he's as healthy as he looks,” Spears said.
Recently, Irving was asked about the trade speculation. He made it very clear that something is being built in Dallas.
“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with,” Irving said.
Irving’s heart seems to really be in Dallas, despite the speculation that his tenure could eventually come to an end before the trade deadline. Right now, he isn’t even giving that much thought.
The veteran is focused on leading the Mavericks in the right direction and getting back to playoff basketball. Irving is the type of leader Dallas needs, as he brings loads of experience and wisdom to a young roster.
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