The Miami Heat are still heavily monitoring Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, according to Jake Fischer. However, Dallas has reasons to keep the 34-year-old point guard, with his partnership alongside Cooper Flagg making a potential trade more difficult.
Irving has averaged 21.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds in five appearances this season. He is shooting 52.7% from the field and 39% from three-point range, returning after missing the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from an ACL injury.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported on The Hoop Collective podcast that Irving is “very, very happy and comfortable” with his situation in Dallas. MacMahon pointed to Flagg’s ball-handling and playmaking as factors that reduce the pressure on the veteran guard.
Flagg is averaging 25.2 points, 6.5 assists and 5.7 rebounds through six games, giving Dallas another player capable of creating offense. MacMahon described the pairing as a “phenomenal fit” and questioned whether the Mavericks would move Irving if they remain in the play-in or playoff race.
The ESPN reporter also highlighted Irving’s importance to the locker room, saying the more time he spends around the team, the harder it becomes to envision a trade.
Irving is in the second season of a three-year, $118.5 million contract, which includes a player option for the final year. His contract and recent return from injury are relevant factors in any potential trade discussions.
Chris Mannix previously reported that Irving could attract significant trade interest, with Detroit among the teams expected to pursue him.
Miami is 2-5 through seven games, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team at 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Bam Adebayo is second in scoring at 16.3 points, while the backcourt’s production is led by Mitchell.
Davion Mitchell has started all seven games and averages 16.0 points and 8.0 assists in 33.4 minutes. Pelle Larsson contributes 11.4 points and 3.7 assists, while Klay Thompson averages 11.9 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 6.6.
