Kyrie Irving may have already played his last game with Mavs if Zach Lowe is right

On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, the host referred to Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving as a "pretty interesting trade candidate" this offseason. The soon-to-be 34-year-old guard will make $39.5 million next season and has a $42.4 million player option for the 2027-28 season that he could decline to become an unrestricted free agent.

Dallas' situation now is different than what it was in 2023 when the organization traded for him. The Mavericks made a run to the NBA Finals a year later, but a few months after that, Nico Harrison traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers, changing everything.

It's been nearly one full year since Irving had surgery to repair a torn ACL, and as fans know now, he won't play this season. His agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told ESPN's Shams Charania that the decision was about the guard "being 1000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season."

Dallas has something special brewing with rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, but especially after trading Anthony Davis to Washington, the Mavericks aren't a contender (not yet).

While it's a good sign that Irving will continue rehabbing with the team's staff and preparing for next season, there is always a chance that he could be on the move over the summer, meaning the final game he played for the Mavericks could've already happened.

Lowe calls Mavs star guard Kyrie Irving an "interesting trade candidate"

To be clear, Irving hasn't given an indication that he wants to leave Dallas. He's been engaged with the team this season, even though he hasn't played in a game. He's still been acting as the veteran presence they need off the court. The guard seems happy in Texas.

However, given the Mavericks' direction, they could shop Irving this summer, assuming he won't specifically ask for a trade, which, again, is a possibility.

The Timberwolves were on the hunt for a point guard before the deadline, but they didn't make a move for one, besides bringing Mike Conley back after trading him. Minnesota could make a push at Irving this summer, especially if its season ends with an early playoff exit. If the Mavs make Irving available, other teams could join the mix.

Keep in mind that this is all speculation. Lowe doesn't know for sure if Dallas will trade Irving because no one knows what will happen. Given his contract situation and the Mavericks' position, though, you can't confidently say he'll still be with the team at the start of next season.