3 best Kyrie Irving trade destinations if Mavericks want to move on after firing Jason Kidd

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3 best Kyrie Irving trade destinations if Mavericks want to move on after firing Jason Kidd

Dominik Zawartko, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Thu, May 21, 2026 ·

5 min read

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3 best Kyrie Irving trade destinations if Mavericks want to move on after firing Jason Kidd appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Dallas Mavericks ' star Kyrie Irving will be primed to return for the 2026-27 NBA season after sitting out all this season to rehabilitate from knee surgery. Irving has been diligent on his road through recovery and has been a constant presence through all Mavericks team activities, offering a consistent voice on the bench throughout the season's biggest moments.

However, much has changed since Irving played his last game for the Mavericks, namely the emergence of 'Rookie of the Year' Cooper Flagg as the new franchise cornerstone. Anthony Davis departed for Washington and the team remains in the hands of a young talent along with two NBA-champion veterans in Klay Thompson and Irving.

Most recently, the Mavericks parted ways with Jason Kidd after five seasons, leaving the door open for a comprehensive hunt for their next head coach . They also own the No. 9 and No. 30 overall picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, so we could see a whole new look for the Mavericks heading into this season before they even begin dipping their toes in the trade market.

Kyrie Irving is signed to a three-year, $119 million contract with a player option in the 2027-28 season. After dumping their head coach and looking to continuously build through the draft, the Maverick could decide to move on from Irving's lofty contract and add more pieces around their young core.

Hypothetically, if the Mavericks were to trade Kyrie Irving, here are three trade destinations that could work out for both parties.

1. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are in interesting choice here for a number of reasons. Their upward trajectory from the NBA's worst record in 2023 to owning the best record in the Eastern Conference this last season. Still, they've seen early exits from the NBA Playoffs the last two seasons at the hands of the Knicks and Cavs and will need to maximize this current championship window they have in the East.

With Cade Cunningham 's ability to play four positions on the floor fluidly, the door is open for a true point guard like Kyrie Irving to thrive in this offense. Center Jalen Duren , who's likely to extend his contract with Detroit, would provide the perfect pick-and-roll game for both Cunningham and Irving creating their own shots and facilitating for others.

Clearly, the Pistons would have to give up some pieces in return, but they have ample options in players like Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson who really proved their worth during their most recent playoffs run. They also have Caris LeVert , who's been a work-in-progress, and Daniss Jenkins who had a huge coming out party during their last two series.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a similar situation to the Detroit Pistons. They have an all-NBA talent like Anthony Edwards leading the way, anchored by dominant big men in Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle . Prior to this season, the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years, falling just short to the Spurs this time around. To maximize the prime of Anthony Edwards , the Timberwolves will have to significantly bolster their lineup with years to come of competing with the Spurs and Thunder for the conference.

Ayo Dosunmu took over point guard duties after being acquired during the season, but the position has been a bit dormant with Mike Conley as their only other option off the bench. The Timberwolves haven't had a true point guard on Irving's level since Anthony Edwards' arrival, so it seems like the only missing piece in an otherwise strong roster from top to bottom.

With players like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaden McDaniels stepping up over the last few seasons, the Timberwolves are slowing growing their depth as they await the return of Donte DiVincenzo as well. It would be difficult to see them move on from an integral player like Naz Reid , but trading for Irving could be the missing piece they need to get over the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

This NBA offseason will be riddled with questions from Milwaukee about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo after his vocalization regarding a trade from the Bucks. The Bucks have always been focused on building around their generational talent, but shortcomings over the last few seasons and head coaching inconsistencies have left a rift between the star and his adopted home.

Things were sent into further disarray following the injury and subsequent dealing of All-Star PG Damian Lillard , forcing Ryan Rollins to start a career-high 67 games and truly come into his own as a scorer. However, there's no denying the addition of an all-time great point guard and former NBA champion would only add to the young talent's development.

In the same breath, the Bucks would be able to make a definitive case for keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster and furthering the chances of making him a Milwaukee Buck for life. Going out and trading some building pieces away for a player like Irving would only cement Milwaukee's appreciation for their franchise star as they show him they're still serious about chasing a title while he's still around.

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