3 Landing Spots for Possible Blockbuster Kyrie Irving Trade as Mavs Hand Keys to Cooper Flagg

NBA: Preseason-Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn
NBA: Preseason-Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn

The Dallas Mavericks have all but confirmed that they'll be entering rebuild mode, and Kyrie Irving could be left out of those long-term plans. Though the nine-time All-Star helped the team reach the NBA Finals just two years ago, Irving now sticks out like a sore thumb on a roster clearly centered around top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

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Although Irving's career has been stalled by a major Achilles injury, he still has a lot to offer when he eventually returns to the court. Several teams could form interesting combinations with the 33-year-old guard, and these teams happen to have draft capital the Mavericks sorely need for their rebuild.

3 landing spots for blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade

#1. Orlando Magic

NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic - Source: Imagn
NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic - Source: Imagn

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In the offseason, the Magic swung a trade for Desmond Bane to strengthen their roster on both ends of the floor. Thus far, however, Orlando ranks 19th in offensive rating.

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The young Magic team could use a prolific scorer and playmaker who has won it all, and the one-time NBA champion fits that description. The Magic have a handful of first-round picks that Dallas could target, so both parties could benefit here.

#2. Houston Rockets

NBA: Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn
NBA: Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn

The Rockets suffered a huge blow when Fred VanVleet went down with an ACL injury in the offseason. To address this, Houston could pursue Irving, who would be around nine months removed from surgery by late December.

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A chance for Irving and former Brooklyn Nets teammate Kevin Durant to reunite might be worth some first-round picks over the next few years.

#3. LA Lakers

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

Durant is not the only ex-teammate linked to Irving. Over the years, rumors of Irving reuniting with fellow 2016 champion LeBron James have circulated across the league.

As it happens, Austin Reaves has also been the subject of trade speculation, particularly now that Luka Doncic is the undisputed playmaker of the future in Los Angeles. A trade that allows Irving to rejoin not only James but also his "hermano" Doncic would truly be a blockbuster.

Rockets Fan? Check out the latest Houston Rockets depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado
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