In what has become the NBA’s most dramatic offseason storyline, the Dallas Mavericks have officially made a pivotal decision regarding Kyrie Irving, as they finalize plans to welcome Duke standout Cooper Flagg to the franchise.
Dallas secured the No. 1 overall pick in the June 25 draft—an astonishing feat given their slim 1.8 % chances in the lottery. That pick immediately aligned with the consensus that Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, a towering 6‑foot‑9 wing, would be their selection . Flagg, the reigning National Player of the Year, dazzled this season at Duke with averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, guiding the Blue Devils to a 35‑4 record and a Final Four berth .
With the draft just weeks away, the Mavericks’ front office has left no doubts: a private workout for Cooper Flagg is scheduled for June 17, and they appear firmly committed to selecting him with their pick—sidelining visits or evaluations of other prospects .
Amidst this brewing rookie fanfare, Dallas has made a crucial decision on Kyrie Irving’s status. While details remain under wraps, everything suggests that Irving will remain part of the squad—at least via a player option worth roughly $43 million—keeping intact the potential pairing with Flagg next season . The move secures continuity, setting the stage for one of the more tantalizing ‘veteran-plus-rookie’ tandems in recent memory: a surgically-recovered Irving joining forces with Flagg and fellow Duke alumnus Dereck Lively II in Dallas .
Irving has publicly embraced Flagg’s arrival, emphasizing their shared Duke roots: “We’re definitely connected,” he said during an appearance on NBA’s Future Starts Now. “I know he can deal with the pressure, and I’m looking forward to seeing a great season…not just from him, but a lot of other young guys.” This support from a nine-time All-Star is expected to ease Flagg’s transition into pro life—off the court as much as on it.
That chemistry could be key. Despite the turbulence of trading franchise centerpiece Luka Dončić mid-season, the Mavericks appear to be leaning into a retooled identity—one anchored by the defensive grit and two-way potential of Flagg, complemented by Irving’s leadership and playoff pedigree .
Still, questions loom. NBA veteran Draymond Green has reignited scrutiny over the lottery’s legitimacy, citing Dallas’s unlikely fortune . Meanwhile, the franchise’s salary cap sits precariously close to the second apron—heightening the stakes of Irving’s contractual choice .
As June 17’s workout and June 25’s draft approach, all eyes remain fixed on the Mavericks—where a single offseason decision by Kyrie Irving and the arrival of Cooper Flagg could mark the beginning of a new era in Dallas basketball.
