The Detroit Pistons should constantly be looking for ways to improve their roster this summer. Cade Cunningham deserves more help, and while he could get some by way of internal development, trading for players will be important, too. One name they should still be keeping an eye on is Kyrie Irving, as the Dallas Mavericks don’t necessarily need him.
Dallas is beginning a rebuild, and Cooper Flagg is its main guy. Irving is a great player, though he’s coming off a major injury. But he’s also 34 years old and entering the latter years of his career. Trading him for future assets could help the Mavericks build around Flagg moving forward. Meanwhile, Irving could be a great get for the Pistons.
Pairing Irving with Cunningham in Detroit would make for one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA and give the Pistons a perfect offensive foundation to work off of.
Pistons should keep tabs on potential Kyrie Irving trade
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, teams around the NBA are currently wondering how long the Mavericks will try to hold onto Irving instead of moving him:
“The Mavericks, as we've been writing since mid-June, have consistently swatted away trade interest this offseason in nine-times-an-All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Rival teams, however, continue to wonder aloud about how firmly Dallas will stick to that stance once the season begins and the next in-season trade deadline on Feb. 11 gradually approaches.”
Dallas may want to keep Irving to help Flagg remain at least somewhat competitive in the early stages of his career. But at the same time, perhaps the Mavs are just biding their time.
If Irving plays well this season, then he could raise his trade value. Right now, teams may not be willing to give up much for him, but if he proves that he’s still himself post-injury, Irving’s value could increase.
The Pistons would make a great trade partner for the Mavs. Irving’s shot creation would solve a ton of problems for the Pistons. Problems that ultimately cost them their playoff run just last season, as their offense just wasn’t good enough.
When the Mavs needed an offensive partner to lift up Luka Doncic, Irving was their guy. They went to the NBA Finals. Why couldn’t he do the same thing for Cunningham?
As long as the price isn’t crazy, pairing Cunningham with Irving would be a very interesting idea for the Pistons if they want to push for championships over the next few years.
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