DALLAS — Could the Mavericks finally land a superstar to play alongside Luka Doncic?
Dallas on Friday became one of the teams floated as a potential trade destination for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, who was reportedly demanding a trade.
NBA insiders Shams Charania, Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Stein all reported the Mavericks as potential suitors in the Nets' trade talks. The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns have also been reported to be a possible landing spot for Irving, according to Charania.
Charania reported that the Nets recently offered Irving a contract extension but that the offer "was not well received" and Irving declined.
While the rumors set Twitter abuzz, Wojnarowski pointed out that the Mavericks, while expected to "explore the idea" an Irving trade, have also "had a reluctance to make significant offers of assets for Irving."
Irving has become a polarizing and controversial figure in the NBA, from his initial drama with LeBron James on the Cavaliers to his shortened stint in Boston to his current tenure with the Nets.
His time in Brooklyn has been defined more by his off-court controversies -- from his anti-vaccine stance to his promotion of an anti-Semitic film -- than any successes on the court.
It was unclear how any of these issues would weigh on any Mavericks decision, though ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon, who covers the team, brought up Mavs coach Jason Kidd's and general manager Nico Harrison's longtime relationships with Irving.
MacMahon reported it would come down to how much the Mavericks are willing to give up for Irving and if they would make a long-term commitment.
The Mavericks are sitting at 28-25 on the season, fourth in the Western Conference, but they've stumbled in stretches. And much of the narrative surrounding the team has centered on helping Doncic more, perhaps by pairing him with an All-NBA caliber teammate through a trade or free agency.