Kyrie Irving floated as trade bait for Mavs before February deadline

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reports rival teams are watching whether Kyrie Irving still fits Dallas' long-term plans as the Mavericks build around Cooper Flagg, with a trade possible if new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is willing to engage.

MacMahon says both sides could eventually look for a trade partner that lets Irving chase a contender, though no deal is close. Irving is still working back from a torn ACL and hasn't played for the Mavericks yet, and he's in the final guaranteed year of a three-year, $118 million extension.

Miami, Detroit and Houston have been mentioned as possible suitors, with Dallas said to be waiting for maximum value.

Heat reporter Amir Motameni argues Miami should pursue Irving as a shot-creator, while Heat insider Barry Jackson cautions nothing is imminent, suggesting any Miami move is more likely at the February deadline or next summer via the midlevel exception.