The Dallas Mavericks are facing a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 26-56 finish in the 2025-26 season, and one NBA insider believes it's time for the franchise to make a difficult decision. According to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, the Mavericks should strongly consider trading veteran guard Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster deal before his value declines further.

Irving, who signed a $119 million contract, missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. While his absence was a major blow, Swartz argues that the Mavericks' future now revolves around 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, making Irving expendable. "Irving's value will be tough to determine until the 34-year-old returns to the court," Swartz wrote. "He and the Mavs should agree to find a trade."

It hasn't all been bad for Irving in Dallas. Just two seasons ago, he teamed up with Luka Doncic to lead the Mavericks to the 2023 NBA Finals as a No. 5 seed. During that playoff run, Irving averaged 22.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 46.7% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range. His dazzling handles, elite isolation scoring, and crafty finishing around the rim made him a nightly highlight reel.

However, injuries have plagued his tenure in Dallas, and with the team shifting its focus to building around Flagg, moving on from the aging star makes sense. Finding a trade partner for a 34-year-old coming off a major knee injury won't be easy, but the Mavericks appear ready to embrace a new chapter.

For fans who love the game, this trade talk is a reminder that even the most electrifying players can become trade chips when a franchise pivots toward the future. Whether you're stocking up on Mavericks gear or just following the NBA rumor mill, this offseason promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.