Kyrie Irving is nearing a return to the court after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. And while he's gearing up to play with Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks, Dallas may not be his home for very much longer.
The 34-year-old point guard could be a "prime target" at the trade deadline, according to ESPN's Tim McMahon
, as his timeline doesn't exactly fit seamlessly with the 19-year-old Flagg.While Irving has played a decade and a half in the NBA, he doesn't appear to be slowing down. He's averaged 25.5 points and 5.1 assists per game with the Mavericks, providing value as both a ball-handler and off-ball threat thanks to his silky 3-point stroke.
Here are five landing spots if the Mavericks decide to move on from Irving.
Miami Heat
While Davion
Mitchell is a much better defender than Irving, he isn't nearly the go-to perimeter scoring threat Irving is, and that's exactly what Miami needs after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Age would become a concern for Miami if it started both Irving and 36-year-old Klay Thompson, however.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors could use an upgrade at point guard to open up the floor for Kawhi Leonard, and Irving's ability to excel off the ball doesn't conflict with Scottie Barnes primarily running the offense. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship back when he led their front office. This move could bring Toronto its second.
Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet's torn ACL just before the 2025-26 season derailed what could've been a special season for the Rockets, who have become a defensive juggernaut under Ime Udoka. Irving would provide the Rockets some much-needed scoring punch, plus Houston has an array of defenders to cover up Irving's deficiencies on that end.
San Antonio Spurs
De'Aaron Fox was abysmal when it mattered most in the NBA Finals, so it'd be hard to blame the Spurs from moving on at point guard. Irving has championship experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers and isn't afraid to take the big shot in the biggest moment. He'd be a perfect complement to Victor Wembanyama.
Orlando Magic
Jalen Suggs is an excellent defender who just isn't good enough offensively to lead a team with serious title aspirations. Enter Irving, who could help space the floor for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to allow their games to take another leap.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kyrie Irving landing spots: Where could Mavericks star go if traded?
