Mavs Free Agency Report: Dallas ‘Only Confirmed Bidder’ for Kyrie Irving

With the NBA draft taking place this Thursday and free agency kicking off in just 11 days, the offseason is in full swing with numerous rumors and reports being released — many surrounding the Dallas Mavericks.

On Sunday night, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that following the Bradley Beal trade to the Phoenix Suns, the Mavs seem to be the ‘only confirmed bidder’ for Kyrie Irving once free agency begins.

“League sources say that these developments — especially the latter — have reinforced the notion that the Mavericks appear to be the only confirmed bidder for Irving's services as the opening bell for 2023 NBA Free Agency at 6 PM ET on June 30 draws near,” Stein wrote.

The Suns were always seen as a long shot for Irving’s services, but now that they’re out of the race, it’s truly down to the Mavericks and potentially the Houston Rockets to sign Irving outright.

Houston, who is known to be interested in reuniting with James Harden, could ‘weigh a run’ for Irving if the former Rocket opts to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, per Stein.

As for a sign-and-trade, the Lakers and Heat linger as threats but again, those are seen as absolute last ditch efforts for Dallas as they’ve been reported to be unwilling to help facilitate a trade unless that seems as the only desirable avenue for Irving.

For now, the Mavs are operating in hopes that Irving will be back in a Dallas uniform. The only factor seems to be the contract negotiations, which Stein framed as being ‘tricky’ as Irving surely is hoping for a four-year max deal. We’ll find out a lot more 11 days from now.

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