Kyrie Irving’s future in Dallas will continue to be a hot topic as the next NBA season approaches. He has been a model citizen since arriving in Big D. However, at 33 years old and returning from a torn ACL, he might not fit into the Cooper Flagg rebuild plan.
This opens the door for the Mavs to consider trade offers for Uncle Drew over the summer in hopes of acquiring more assets to build around Flagg. Recently, Bleacher Report proposed a trade scenario for Irving that Dallas should dismiss immediately.
Bleacher Report's 'perfect' Kyrie Irving trade is far from ideal
Bleacher Report suggested that the Mavericks trade Irving to the Orlando Magic for guard Jalen Suggs and forward/center Jonathan Isaac. But Dallas is seeking a young, all-star caliber player to pair with Flagg to form a dynasty. Neither Suggs nor Isaac fit that mold.
This was the "perfect" offseason trade that Bleacher Report picked for Dallas, but it's far from that.
Jalen Suggs doesn't solve Dallas' problems
Suggs (24) is a capable player at 6-foot-5. But nothing spectacular. He plies his trade as a combo guard, playing both point guard and shooting guard as needed. He’s putting up 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 43.5 percent shooting this season.
But he’s really made his mark on the defensive end. Suggs became the first Orlando Magic guard to make the All-Defensive team, earning second-team honors in the 2023-24 season. Unfortunately, the Mavs already have wings like Max Christie and Naji Marshall to fill that role.
His position is already filled. And the Mavericks should be able to get additional help by continuing to tank this season and improving their chances in the upcoming NBA Draft.
The Mavs need athletic wings who can shoot and spread the floor, but Suggs has only shot 32.8 percent from three over his career. That’s not enough to justify trading Irving, who is a prolific 3-point shooter with a career average of 39.4 percent and the ability to hit clutch shots. Uncle Drew has the advantage.
Jonathan Isaac is too injury-prone for the Mavericks to consider
Jonathan Isaac is a very different case. He’s known for his defense. Standing 6-foot-10, he’s considered an elite, versatile defender with exceptional rim protection — at least when he can actually play. He's contributing just 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in limited minutes this season. Again, this isn't nearly enough of a bounty to part ways with Irving.
Isaac is currently sitting out with a knee injury. Unsurprisingly, he's played over 70 games in an NBA season just once in the past four years. At 28, he’s already played fewer than 35 games in a season three times in his seven-year career. The Mavs are already dealing with Dereck Lively II’s foot injury. It makes no sense for Dallas to sign up for additional pain and suffering.
Dallas can't repeat the Luka Doncic trade nightmare
After losing Luka Doncic for next to nothing, it would be wise for the Mavs to wait until they receive an offer for Irving that they cannot refuse if they want to move on. This mock trade scenario isn’t that deal. Irving is a once-in-a-lifetime talent who offers elite ball-handling, shooting, and veteran leadership — traits that will continue to positively influence a rising star like Flagg.
You've heard the saying..."Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." That applies in this instance. And Irving has been closer to an angel since he arrived in Dallas. He's the best bet right now.
Until Dallas gets an offer that blows them away, Kyrie Irving should remain a Maverick. The Mavs need to run for the hills from this proposed deal. But remember, the hills have eyes. And Dallas doesn't need another terrible trade horror story.
