ESPN reporter Tim McMahon recently reiterated that the Dallas Mavericks have no intention of trading Kyrie Irving this season. Despite the Mavericks' current 5-14 record, ranking second-to-last in the Western Conference, Irving's position on the team remains secure.

Kyrie Irving, 33, was the number one overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. During his career, he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets. Since joining the Mavericks in February 2023, he has played 118 regular season games, averaging 25.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

However, Kyrie Irving has been in rehabilitation since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in early March. According to several prominent NBA reporters, including Marc Stein and Shams Charania, the Mavericks are evaluating the trade market for players like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and D'Angelo Russell, while Irving is considered untouchable.

McMahon echoed this sentiment on his podcast, Howdy Partners. When asked about Irving's future, he stated unequivocally, "The Mavericks don't want to trade Kyrie Irving. The ideal arrangement for Irving is to communicate with him and make him understand that focusing on recovery and rest this season is beneficial for everyone."

He further explained, "I've said before that Irving's recovery is progressing well, but he might not return this season for 'other reasons.' The so-called 'other reasons' is that this season is the Mavericks' only chance to benefit from their poor record. They cannot control their first-round draft picks from 2027 to 2030, and the only first-round draft pick they can control happens to be within Flagg's rookie contract period."

McMahon added that keeping Irving would help relieve pressure on Cooper Flagg: "Irving was a problem player with the Nets, but he has shown extraordinary leadership qualities in Dallas. Since he set foot on Dallas soil, he has injected tremendous positive energy into the team culture and atmosphere."

“Cooper Flagg will only turn 19 in a few weeks, and we can’t expect a teenager to be the face of the team, a locker room leader, and a spokesperson. If Irving is on the team, he can naturally take on the role of leader and spokesperson, helping the team stay competitive.”

McMahon concluded, "There's no indication that Irving will be traded unless he requests it. I can't guarantee it will never happen, but my information is that Irving is very eager to return to the court this year, and we'll have to wait and see. However, the Mavericks must secure Anthony Davis's worth."