Mavericks may be more reluctant to trade Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving figures to have a trade market, but the Mavericks may have an increasingly difficult time convincing themselves to use it.

That’s the assessment from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who pointed to Irving’s partnership with Cooper Flagg and his importance in the locker room as reasons Dallas could keep the veteran guard.

“The more I see the team, the more I’m around the team, the more I think it’s going to be awfully hard to trade him,” MacMahon said, via a clip shared by NBABase. “Not that there won’t be a big market, there will be, but if they’ve got a chance to compete for a play-in, play-off spot, I just think it’s going to be really tough to move Kyrie.”

MacMahon’s comments suggest the decision goes beyond what the Mavericks could get back. There’s also the question of what they would be taking away from Flagg.

“Also, as much as he means to that locker room, as well as he’s working with Cooper,” MacMahon said. “It was beautiful basketball and, basketball-wise, they are a phenomenal fit.”

That’s a pretty good reason to give the partnership more time. Building around a young player doesn’t necessarily mean surrounding him exclusively with other young players, particularly when an established star is helping make the arrangement work.

According to MacMahon, the benefits go both ways. Flagg’s ability to bring the ball up and initiate the offense has reduced the burden on Irving.

“Kyrie, I think, is very, very happy and comfortable with his situation in Dallas,” MacMahon said, while noting that Irving doesn’t necessarily control whether he stays.

The comments follow reporting from Ethan Skolnick of 5ReasonsSports that Irving would be comfortable playing for the Heat. Skolnick also indicated that nothing appeared imminent, with Miami still evaluating its own young players.

RELATED | NBA rumors involving Kyrie Irving, Heat, Lakers and Suns

MacMahon’s assessment isn’t a declaration that Irving is unavailable. But if Dallas can compete for a postseason spot while developing Flagg alongside him, the Mavericks would have a basketball reason to keep him, too.