Mavericks' Kyrie Irving gets major trade update after strong start to season alongside Cooper Flagg

Mavericks' Kyrie Irving gets major trade update after strong start to season alongside Cooper Flagg originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There is no secret that Kyrie Irving's future remains very uncertain as the season continues to progress. The veteran NBA champion is currently on a timeline in Dallas that he likely doesn't want to be a part of long-term.Before the season, Irving made it clear that he was willing to help the Mavericks organization in whatever way possible.“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with,” Irving said.Recently, Irving was asked about playing alongside Cooper Flagg and revealed how the duo is handling the outside noise surrounding a potential trade.“We are still growing,” Irving said. “We still have a level we want to get to — a higher level. We are going to continue to push each other. We obviously know the external chatter as well and the 15-year age gap and what we are going to accomplish and how we are going to mesh. I think we threw all that out the window and just really focused on what we can control, which is our effort and how we treat each other.”The reality is that Irving remains an attractive trade asset. Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix believes Irving could be the most in-demand player at the trade deadline.“I think he’s going to be the most in-demand player at the trade deadline because he’s not on the Mavericks’ timeline. And we talked about Houston. I think Detroit’s another team that will be salivating over getting Kyrie Irving,” Mannix said.Simply put, the Mavericks might not be wise to keep Irving, especially if he could leave in free agency. If another team is willing to offer a solid package of draft picks and potentially a player in return, trading Irving could make sense for Dallas.There are plenty of risks that come with keeping the NBA champion, so a trade seems like a possibility worth watching. Flagg and Irving have been playing great with each other. However, with multiple teams potentially interested in acquiring him, the Mavericks could have an opportunity to send the 34-year-old to his next destination while getting something valuable in return. Irving understands that this is a business.More MLB news:Mets predicted to sign $32M two-time Cy Young winner to create nasty duo with Nolan McLeanBraves reportedly sign ex-Mets ultimate utility man with elite speed to compete for roster spotBraves predicted to trade Ronald Acuna Jr. for Phillies' $330M two-time MVP in monster dealDodgers get major Tarik Skubal free agency update as the offseason is officially underway