Masai Ujiri‘s comments since arriving as the Mavericks new president and alternate governor have been consistent and future-facing, leading some executives around the league to wonder about the long-term fit of Kyrie Irving alongside franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg, Michael Scotto reports for HoopsHype. Ujiri has expressed enthusiasm about seeing the two stars plays together, as has newly hired assistant general manager Mike Schmitz.
“That’s something you dream of,” Schmitz said. “Having a magician with the ball like that who can pass, dribble, shoot, and someone with the connective qualities of Cooper. It’s a match made in heaven.”
However, given the difference in timelines — Irving is 34 years old and coming off a torn ACL, while Flagg will enter next season at just 19 — there are questions about how long it makes sense to keep the duo together. The Mavs have a top-10 pick in this year’s draft as well as 21-year-old Dereck Lively II, so they’re well-positioned to undergo a youth movement to build a future contender around Flagg, especially if they can continue adding to that young core in a deal for Irving. On the other hand, Kyrie could provide veteran stability and help Flagg continue to develop into a superstar while making the team more competitive.
The Mavericks struggled to find an answer at point guard this season, ranking 22nd in assists and 18th in turnovers with Irving rehabbing. Brandon Williams started 15 games while Ryan Nembhard started 27. Both showed themselves to be useful NBA role players, but not necessarily starting point guards to build around should Irving be moved.
The 2026 draft lottery is loaded with intriguing point guards, though, at least one of whom will likely be available when the Mavericks are on the clock with the ninth pick.
We have more news and notes from Scotto:
- In addition to monitoring Dallas’ plans for Irving, rival executives will be keeping a close eye on what the Clippers do with Kawhi Leonard and the fifth overall pick, Scotto writes. If the Clippers make Leonard available, many execs would have him and Giannis Antetokounmpo “neck-and-neck” as the top player on the trade market, Scotto adds. On the other hand, if L.A. retains – and possibly extends – Leonard, rivals are curious about whether the team would consider moving the No. 5 pick. Assuming the Clippers keep that selection, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler is widely viewed as their most likely target, according to Scotto.
- Echoing prior reporting from Kevin O’Connor, Scotto cites league sources who say the Kings are “enamored” with Darius Acuff, the point guard out of Arkansas. The question is whether the electric scorer will still be available when the Kings are on the clock. Acuff averaged 23.5 points and 6.5 assists while making 44.0% of 5.8 three-point attempts per game this season.
- Rival executives who have spoken to Scotto believe the Hawks will use the No. 8 pick to either select a point guard from the group of Wagler, Acuff, Mikel Brown, and Kingston Flemings, or to take 7’3″ Michigan center Aday Mara. Mara’s stock has been rising and he’s considered a lottery lock due to his size, passing ability, and potential as a defender and rim protector. According to Scotto, Atlanta would also like to bring back CJ McCollum, a veteran leader who had a red-hot start to the Hawks’ first-round series against the Knicks.
- The Mavericks are looking to fill out their front office under Masai Ujiri, and two potential targets they’re eyeing are Prosper Karangwa, the Sixers‘ assistant general manager, and Patrick Engelbrecht, the Raptors‘ director of global scouting, with whom Ujiri worked for over a decade.
- The Mavs are not alone in their interest in Kawanga, Scotto writes, as the Lakers are also eyeing him, Heat vice president of player personnel Eric Amsler, and Jazz vice president of player personnel Bart Taylor, among others, as they look to build out their front office. Timberwolves assistant general manager Steve Senior reportedly passed on an offer from the Lakers, opting to stay in Minnesota.
- The Jazz are tapping Shane Fenske as general manager of their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, per Scotto. Fenske, who is the Jazz’s assistant general manager, was preceded by Katie Benzan, who is not leaving the team but rather changing roles within the franchise, notes Ben Anderson of KSL Sports (Twitter link).
Hawks draft Mikel Brown Jr or Aday Mara at 8 or trade down. I assume Acuff Jr and Wagler will be off the board by 8.
I like mara, but 8 seems high for him given depth of this draft.
Mara had that huge game in the Final 4 vs Arizona. That’s why his stock is so high rn. That game was the most watched Final 4 game in a while & a bunch of folks that didn’t watch these guys all yr & the past few yrs, saw that game & their opinion of Mara is now sky high. I saw him struggle at UCLA last yr. I saw these guards dominate college right from the jump. Mara is a really nice big prospect no doubt. These guards are all elite prospects tho.
People don’t understand that the Hawks don’t really need another talented young big. We need a vet big who can infuse some toughness into our team.
Flemings/Brown/Acuff/Wagler can replace Gabe Vincent
Rob Williams/MRobinson/Drummond can replace Jock Landale
whatever big we draft at #23- Veesaar/Morez Jr/Luigi can replace Koloko/Tony Bradley
I don’t see Leonard is the next best option of players that could be available. He is a injury prone player on last year of his contract and will be 35 next year.
That’s precisely why he will be the best option if a team loses out on Giannis and James. 1 year left and he can still play defense. Doesn’t need to be the 1st option so a team can monitor his minutes better at this juncture of his career. I think he goes to ATL to give them some guidance on a young team.
He probably best on a team that is in playoff contention. i could see him go to the Lakers but Clippers would never trade him there. I am think of the heat if they miss out on Giannis.
Problem is a team that’s in playoff contention, they won’t have the cap space or timeline to acquire him. Need to think outside the traditional teams for a Leonard type trade. Remember nobody had Raptors acquiring him back in 2019 right? I would assume the same here.
maybe he goes back to the Raptors. They could be a team that needs a experience player.
He did play nearly 70 games this season while playing some of his best basketball
What about this ..
TWolves: Kyrie Irving
Mavs: Jalen Green
Suns: Julius Randle and picks 28 and 30
Booker and Green can’t work together both are SG’s that want to score first.
They need a PF with Royce and Oso playing most of the minutes there.
Not only that but they get two first round picks. Booker Brooks Randle ain’t a bad little core for them.
Mavs they get a young guard to build around Cooper Flagg with. Green would be a solid sidekick for them. They also have pick 10 and Derek Lively, the future looks bright.
TWolves get a star to pair with ANT. Definitely the kinda move to help get them over the hump they’ve struggled with over the last couple seasons. It would be the best backcourt pairing in a long time. Not to drastic of a change either still have McDaniels Gobert Naz Bones TSJ and so on
Kyrie is worth more than Jalen Green, Mavs should receive more compensation
I also dont think Jalen Green is the type of player you want around Flagg, but it’s not an awful fit
Kyrie is 34 and coming off a major injury.
Jalen is 10 years younger and still has really good potential. Think he’d really suit play playing second fiddle to a forward like Cooper. Kinda gives LeBron and Wade energy
Think it’s all pretty even really
Maybe a 1st or two to the Mavs but I like this one
If it is Irving who has to provide stability I’d be worried…
Kawhi and Spurs mend fences and he returns to San Antonio to win 2 or 3 rings before he retires. Spurs have the trade pieces and Kawhi’s game is exactly the piece the Spurs are missing