NBA Trade Rumor: Kyrie Irving Lands Back In The East In Stunning Proposed Trade

August 18, 2026 ,
Social Media Feature Preview
The Dallas Mavericks are building around young phenom Cooper Flagg. That much is obvious. The reigning Rookie of the Year is still just 19, so building a roster that can grow with him is the Mavs' priority. 

Does a 34-year-old Kyrie Irving fit with that plan? Not so much. To that end, there have been trade rumors surrounding the nine-time All-Star. He missed all of last season recovering from a torn ACL. He's ready to return this year, but will it be in Dallas?

A proposed trade from Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report would send Irving to the Toronto Raptors to pair up with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes, forming a formidable Big 3 north of the border.   

Toronto Raptors receive: 

  • Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks receive: 
  • Immanuel Quickley
  • Ja'Kobe Walter
  • 2028 first-round pick (top-five protected)

For the Raptors, this hypothetical deal would give them a devastating duo on offense, though they would have to surrender one of their top bench pieces, and a strong and promising perimeter defender in Walter. 

Additionally, after giving up two first-rounders in the Kawhi trade (which everyone hopes will be confirmed in the next few weeks), losing another one would be a tough pill to swallow. 

But, if it means joining the championship-contending crowd in 2026-2027... 

Would trading for Kyrie Irving put Raptors among East's elite? 

"A healthy Irving would be an immediate and immense upgrade and perhaps the addition that could seal Toronto's spot among the East's elite. That's just too rich a prize to pass up at this price," writes Buckley.

Ah, but "healthy" is the operative word there. Just how healthy is Kyrie? After missing an entire season with the ACL tear, and trying to come back in a season when he'll be 35 by the time the playoffs arrive, that's a huge question. And even before this injury, Irving hadn't played more than 60 games in seven years. In fact, he averaged just 45 games a season over his last six years. 

For Dallas, they'd be getting an up-and-coming 3-and-D man in Walter, who, at 21, fits the Flagg timeline. Adding another first-round pick, as well, never hurts in a rebuilding environment either. 

"Could the Mavericks maybe squeeze out a richer return if Irving returns to action and looks every bit like his old All-Star form? It's possible," says Buckley. "But what if he starts showing his age? Or he looks like [he's lost a step]? If his $42.4 million player option suddenly seems burdensome, there's a chance his trade value is irreparably damaged."

Ah, but therein lies the main reason why Toronto would likely not bite at this deal. 

Go To: NFL Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors