9-Time All-Star Predicted to Be Most Sought-After Trade Target, Who Could Be Interested and Other Potential Trade Candidates

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward P.J. Washington (25) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrate during the second half against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Daniel Benjamin, EditorThe NBA is just two weeks into the 2026-27 season, and there is already trade talk. Player movement has become one of the most discussed topics in the NBA over the last several seasons, and for good reason; there have been plenty of surprising moves via free agency or trade. Kyrie Irving, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride have already been bandied around.But it is Dallas’ Irving, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix believes, who will be the top trade target.“I think Kyrie Irving is a separate topic, ” Mannix said on SI’s Open Floor podcast. “I think he’s going to be the most in-demand player at the trade deadline because he’s not on the Mavericks’ timeline. I think Detroit is another team salivating at the prospect of getting Kyrie Irving. They’re off to a great start. I think the Mavericks have a chance to get some real assets back in return for a player that’s been good for them.”Irving, who missed the last year and a half due to a torn ACL, is off to a fantastic start to the 2026-27 campaign. Through the first five games, Irving averages 21.4 points, 4.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39% from the 3-point line.Irving is coming off the best season of the young season, tossing in 35 points on 12 of 19 shooting from the field and 5 of 8 from the 3-point line in Dallas’ 116-111 victory over Houston on Friday. He also doled out a season-high nine assists, grabbed four rebounds, and committed just two turnovers.Why Would Dallas Trade Their  9-Time All-StarDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectWith the win over Houston, Dallas now has won three straight games and is off to a surprising 4-2 start. Notably, the Mavericks — who won 26 games last year — also have a win over Oklahoma City. Granted, injuries have decimated the Thunder, but the Mavericks only need 11 more wins against .500 teams to match their total from last year. Also. the Mavs already have two double-digit victories; they had just nine all of 2025-26.Irving, along with Cooper Flagg, have been a major reason that the Mavs are off to a surprising start. Irving and Flagg are combining to average 48.2 points, 11.4 assists, 9.4 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 1.8 blocks. The Mavericks have been among the best teams offensively and defensively, but they have struggled with turnovers and defensive rebounding. Also, only four players are averaging in double figures.Dallas entered the season in rebuild mode. The Mavericks traded Anthony Davis at the February trade deadline, then dealt Khris Middleton and waived Klay Thompson during the summer. The Mavs also, of course, have a rookie head coach in Dusty May.Dallas is $11 million below the luxury tax. Irving is making $39.4 million this season and has a $42.4 million player option. So, the Mavericks could lose him for nothing. But, more significantly, the Mavs would look to trade 34-year-old because, as Mannix said, he doesn’t fit their or Flagg’s timeline to compete.Plus, the Mavericks don’t have a first-round pick this year and only seven over the next seven drafts. The Mavs also have only one future second-round pick.Teams That Could Be Interested In Trading For Kyrie IrvingDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) passes the ball over Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) and guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectMannix mentioned that the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons may be interested in trading for Irving. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat also have previously been cited as possible landing spots for the 9-time All-Star.Houston RocketsHouston was expected to compete for a top spot in the West last year after trading for Kevin Durant. But the Rockets lost Fred VanVleet to an ACL injury before training camp and chose not to trade for one, instead relying on Amen Thompson to run the offense. As a result, the Rockets finished fifth in the Conference and were outsted in the first round for the second straight season.Houston is off to a 6-1 start this season, the Rockets’ best start since 2017-18. The Rockets have the No. 1-rated offense, with 10 players averaging in double figures, including four averaging 16+ points per contest. While VanVleet has struggled with shooting efficiency, he is doing a fantastic job running the offense and is strong defensively. Plus, the Rockets also have Reed Sheppard and Marcus Smart on the roster.Detroit PistonsDetroit surprisingly ended up with the best record in the East. However, the Pistons struggled mightily in the postseason and ultimately fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi (4-3). The Pistons tweaked the roster in the offseason, though they didn’t bring in a sidekick for Cade Cunningham, which was reportedly their top goal.The Pistons are off to a 5-1 start thanks to their NBA-best defense. However, they have struggled offensively, ranking in the bottom half of the league in shooting and turnovers. Plus, Daniss Jenkins is their backup point guard.Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota was linked to Irving earlier this offseason. But the Timberwolves traded for LaMelo Ball shortly after the idea of acquiring Irvin was floatedg. Now, Anthony Edwards is out for two months due to a knee injury. Plus, the Wolves are expected to be over the luxury tax with just 11 players signed for next season.Miami HeatMiami brought in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thompson to compete for an NBA title in the near future. But the Heat knew their roster was flawed and are 2-4 on the season after winning their last two contests. The Heat’s backcourt was considered a weakness heading into the season, though Davion Mitchell is currently balling out and Pelle Larsson has been an adequate backup point guard. The defensive end has been problematic for the Heat.Orlando MagicOrlando has some nice pieces, led by Franz Wagner and Paola Banchero. But the Magic haven’t been able to stay healthy and have yet to get out of the first round of the playoffs. So, perhaps Irving is the exact player they need. However, it would likely cost them Jalen Suggs, and I’m not sure the Magic would want to make the trade.Other Early Season Trade CandidatesDallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) talks with forward Daniel Gafford (21) before Gafford attempts free throws against the Houston Rockets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectIrving may not be the only Maverick on the move this season. PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford,Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin are also among Sportac’s 133 trade candidates. All five players make sense for the Mavs to trade if they are going to full rebuild mode. Here is a look at the most realistic early-season trade candidates.Atlanta HawksCorey Kispert Dorian Finney-SmithAtlanta made many moves to improve its roster this year. The Hawks haven’t gotten the results they expected yet, and Kispert and Finney-Smith have seen limited action.Brooklyn NetsDay’Ron Sharpe Terrence Mann Noah Clowney Julius Randle Michael Porter Jr. Brooklyn is off to a disappointing 0-5 start. While it seems unlikely at this point that Porter Jr. and Randle will be traded, Porter is an unrestricted free agent next season, and Randle has a player option.  Sharpe is in his first season as a starter and will likely be sought after at the trade deadline,e as he will likely be seen as a cheap option off the bench by a contender. Mann hasn’t played much, and Clowney will be a restricted free agent and still in the developmental stage of his career.Charlotte HornetsGrant Williams Tidjane Salaun (if the Hornets don’t pick up his fourth-year option; due November 2)Williams, who has yet to suit up, is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.Chicago BullsPatrick Williams Buddy Hield Isaac Okoro Cleveland CavaliersCraig Porter Jr. Denver NuggetsZeke Nnaji Cameron JohnsonJulian StrawtherDaRon Holmes Golden State WarriorsJimmy Butler Kristaps PorzingisIndiana PacersJarace Walker Ben Sheppard Los Angeles Clippers Derrick Jones Jr. Brook Lopez Max Strus Los Angeles LakersBronny James Jaden Hardy Memphis GrizzliesKris Murray Taylor Hendricks Miami HeatNikola Jovic Simone FonteccheccioMilwaukee BucksKyle Kuzma Caris LeVert Minnesota TimberwolvesDoug DiVincenzo Cody Williams New Orleans PelicansJordan Poole AJ Johnson Herb JonesNew York KnicksPacome Diadet Miles McBrideOklahoma City ThunderNikola Topic Orlando MagicJalen SuggsGoga Bitadze Phoenix SunsJalen Green Sacramento KingsZach LaVineDomantas SabonisDe’Andre Hunter Malik Monk Precious AchiuwaSan Antonio SpursHarrison Barnes Toronto RaptorsJakob PoeltlUtah JazzJosh Green Washington WizardsTre MannThe Last WordIt is way too early for Dallas to decide whether to move on from Irving. However, Irving doesn’t fit the Mavericks’ timeline, as they are “all-in” on building around Flagg. While the Mavs could wait to see whether Irving opts in to his player option for next season, they could really use draft capital.In an Irving trade, Dallas will likely seek either multiple first-round picks and a young rotational player, or two young rotational players and one first-round pick. The team trading for Irving would likely also need to add players as salary fillers.Speaking of trading for Irving, Detroit makes the most sense. The Pistons still need a secondary creator to go alongside Cunningham. Orlando could be a fit, but the Magic are close to the second apron and not sure they would include Suggs for Irving. Meanwhile, the Heat don’t appear to have a trade package the Mavs would accept, at least not the one offered by the Heat Trade Talk podcast.Also, the Rockets could use more firepower at point guard; it is not a major need. Plus, would Dallas accept VanVleet or Smart, Tari Eason, and draft picks for Irving? Perhaps Houston would be willing to add Sheppard or Bruce Thornton to the package for Irving and Washington.More News 3 Signs Of Growth As Joan Beringer Starts Against Spurs Why Charles Lee Needs to Play Hannes Steinbach NowAnthony Davis Is Earning Every Bit Of His Next Contract, In Or Out Of D.CPhoto Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect