NBA Rumors: Mavericks, Kyrie Irving, Sixers, Paul George, draft

Mavericks

The Mavericks continue to insist they’re excited about pairing Cooper Flagg with a healthy Kyrie Irving, but NBA insider Jake Fischer isn’t entirely convinced the veteran guard will still be in Dallas by opening night.

“I don’t necessarily believe” Irving will remain with the Mavericks through the summer, Fischer said on his latest Bleacher Report livestream, noting that rival teams are expected to gauge Dallas’ interest in potential discussions involving the eight-time All-Star.

Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL, though he’s expected to be ready when training camp opens this fall.

Whether the Mavericks would seriously entertain moving him is another question. Either way, Fischer’s comments suggest executives around the league are watching closely.

76ers

Despite another disappointing season in Philadelphia, Fischer said there’s little indication the Sixers plan to move on from either Joel Embiid or Paul George.

While Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe are viewed as key pieces of the franchise’s future, Fischer described Philadelphia as “almost certain” to bring Embiid and George back next season.

Beyond that, both players remain on maximum contracts that would be difficult to trade without taking back similarly significant salaries.

Former Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey is now heading the Sixers’ basketball operations.

NBA Draft

Fischer also noted that league executives expect “most favorable” language on traded first-round picks to become more common in future deals.

With the NBA’s lottery system producing increasingly unpredictable results, teams accumulating draft assets are looking for additional protection against randomness and volatility.

In other words, front offices are continuing to get creative when it comes to managing future draft capital.