The Anthony Davis-Cooper Flagg-Kyrie Irving trio simply can’t get on the court together for the Dallas Mavericks.
Irving, who is nursing a torn ACL, hasn’t been cleared to make his return just yet. Anthony Davis is once again injured and will be out for at least the next six weeks.
Will the NBA world get a look at the Mavs’ trio at any point during the 2025-2026 NBA season? Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins hopes that’s not the case. He calls for a full-on rebuild.
Perkins States His Case to Trade Kyrie-AD
“I don’t want to see it,” Perkins says of the trio. “They shouldn’t want to see it. What are you holding on for? You got a generational player. You got your guy. I’m not just considering trading Anthony Davis; I’m trading the 33-year-old Kyrie Irving, too. If you’re talking about rebuilding, then rebuild.”
When it comes to Davis, there is real trade smoke. Since the Mavs parted ways with Nico Harrison, the front office has opened the phone lines to interested suitors. Davis seems to welcome the idea of getting traded, as it could help him secure a long-term extension as he reaches the final years of his current deal.
As for Irving, the Mavs are patiently waiting for his return to action. There hasn’t been a thought to move on from the superstar guard. But if the Mavs decide to punt the current season, cutting ties with Irving should at least be considered.
“[The Mavs should] want to add those young pieces to grow with [Cooper Flagg],” Perkins finished. “Kyrie Irving is 33-years-old. I’m trading both, him and Anthony Davis, and I’m going to get me some draft picks, draft well, and add some pieces around Cooper Flagg and I’m looking forward to next year.”
Following Wednesday night’s loss against the Denver Nuggets, the Mavs fell to 15-26. They are outside of the postseason picture, placing several games behind the Los Angeles Clippers, who have now won four in a row.
Dallas hasn’t given up on their postseason hopes just yet, and Irving’s season is still up in the air. All of the attention will remain on Davis, who still might be an intriguing trade piece for several teams as he recovers from a hand injury.