NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks' Plans with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson
The Texan franchise wants to continue counting on the point guard, while being more willing to listen to offers for the shooting guard
LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers has reinvigorated the NBA market. With several franchises seeking alternatives after losing the race for the four-time MVP, two veterans from the Dallas Mavericks have sparked significant interest: Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
However, the Texan franchise has already made its position clear. According to journalist Marc Stein, the Mavericks "have continued to reject" the initial contacts received for Kyrie Irving. On the other hand, the situation is different with Thompson, as Dallas has conveyed its intention to seek a trade rather than a contract buyout, even though teams like the Miami Heat are hoping the shooting guard becomes available through a contract buyout agreement.
Dallas maintains its confidence in Kyrie Irving
Irving did not play any games during the 2025-26 season while recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, but the Mavericks have not altered their plans with him.
According to Stein, the expectation remains that the nine-time All-Star will start the upcoming season in Dallas alongside the reigning Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg, thus culminating his anticipated return to the court following the knee operation he underwent in late March 2025.
The team's new head coach, Dusty May, also expressed his confidence in the veteran point guard during his official presentation. The coach stated that he plans to rely on Irving's experience to lead a very young squad.
"Kyrie knows what it takes to win a championship, so, as a rookie coach in the NBA, I am going to lean heavily on him in many aspects," May affirmed.
Klay Thompson, closer to leaving
Klay Thompson's situation is very different. The shooting guard has one season left on his contract with a salary of $17.5 million for the final year of the three-season deal he signed with Dallas.
The 36-year-old player recorded the lowest scoring average of his career last season, with 11.7 points per game in 69 matches, and it seems that his role would further diminish as the Mavericks focus on developing their young talents.
For that reason, the franchise prefers to gain some assets through a trade rather than lose the player without receiving anything in return.
Uncertainty surrounds Irving's future
Despite Dallas' firm stance, Marc Stein suggests that there is still a scenario that could change Irving's situation. The 34-year-old point guard might not be interested in being part of a rebuilding project at this stage of his career.
If he were to eventually express his desire to immediately contend for a championship, the Mavericks might be compelled to also consider the possibility of negotiating his trade.
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