5 Most likely Dallas Mavericks to be traded away during 2023 offseason

The Dallas Mavericks need to upgrade their roster after missing the playoffs for the first time since Luka Doncic’s rookie season. They acquired Kyrie Irving to be his co-star at the deadline, but it unbalanced their roster further as Dallas lost 18 of their final 25 games regular season games to crash into the lottery.

Irving is a free agent this summer, and there are questions about him returning. Re-signing the eight-time All-Star is the team’s top priority, but does he want to be in Dallas? LeBron James and the Lakers appear to be a serious threat. Kyrie holds all the cards, and he will decide his next team.

Bringing back Irving is not enough. The Mavericks need to improve their perimeter defense, rebounding, and rim protection to get back into contention, but they have limited assets to use. Re-signing Irving eliminates their cap space, so Dallas will have to make a trade. Who will they give up?

5. Kyrie Irving

The Mavericks cannot afford to lose their second-best player two years in a row and get zero in return. Jalen Brunson left in free agency for the Knicks, and Dallas has to salvage something if Kyrie decides to depart.

The Mavs gave up two key starters, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders to land Irving in February. If he leaves in free agency, Dallas will have wasted those assets. Pressure is mounting, and the Mavericks have to get things right or they could lose Luka Doncic.

What will Kyrie do? Rumors suggest a deal could already be in place between Irving and the Mavs, but that seems unlikely. The eight-time All-Star will explore his options this summer. Dallas has to re-sign Irving or get something in return if they want to make the playoffs in 2024.

Kyrie Irving is an unrestricted free agent, so this would be a sign-and-trade. The Dallas Mavericks are hoping it does not happen, but fans never know with Uncle Drew.