Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Dallas unlikely to trade for Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks are rumored to be interested in trading for eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. He demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, and the 30-year-old is on an expiring contract. Will the Nets deal him before the Feb. 9 trade deadline?

Irving missed Saturday’s game against the Wizards, and he is unlikely to play before Thursday’s deadline. The Nets could call his bluff again, just as they did this offseason, and try to force Kyrie to come back. Irving is likely to depart this summer, and sitting out the remainder of the season will not help his value. Brooklyn has a franchise-altering decision to make as the Mavericks, Lakers, Suns, and Heat have all been linked as interested in Kyrie.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto dropped his latest rumors on Feb. 4 where he threw some cold water on Dallas acquiring Irving. Here is a closer look at why Scotto is likely correct, and what the Mavs are more likely to do ahead of the deadline.

Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Dallas unlikely to trade for Kyrie Irving

Scotto notes that sources with “knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking downplayed the team’s chances of landing Irving in a trade” in his column. Dallas would have to give up assets to acquire Kyrie. The Nets have zero reasons to just give him away, and the Mavs' assets are limited already. They do not want to give up a first-round pick, and trading Dorian Finney-Smith or Josh Green would severely harm their defense and chances of trading for a star player this summer.

Dallas wants to build a title contender and marrying themselves to Kyrie Irving as theirsecond star is dangerous. Yes, he is a superstar talent, but there will be drama and questions about his availability. Is that what the Mavericks want next to Luka as he enters his prime? General manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd both know Kyrie, but that does not mean they will be able to convince him to play basketball and avoid the off-the-court distractions.

There is no way that the Mavs gamble on Kyrie Irving unless the price is next to nothing. Brooklyn has no reason to lower it that far, especially with multiple teams in the bidding.

Dallas is most likely to make a small move or two on the fringes ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. They will not seriously alter their roster, but buying low on a third playmaker and upgrading at center are avenues the team is exploring. Will they find a deal? Keep your eyes open ahead of Thursday’s final buzzer.