In response to the Mavs’ possible acquisition of Duke standout Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving

In the ever-evolving chess match that is NBA roster construction, few franchises have been more aggressive in recent years than the Dallas Mavericks. From trading for Kyrie Irving to developing a European-born MVP-caliber phenom in Luka Dončić, the Mavericks are all-in on winning now—while still planting seeds for a dominant future. But now, the conversation is turning to someone outside the NBA ranks entirely: Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg.

Flagg, the 6-foot-9 projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has already turned heads with a rare blend of basketball IQ, defensive instincts, and offensive versatility. Even in limited exposure at the collegiate level, he’s been heralded as a generational prospect. The idea of Flagg teaming up with Irving and Dončić has prompted plenty of speculation, especially among Mavs fans dreaming of an all-time great trio.

But amidst the growing buzz, one voice stands out: Kyrie Irving himself

In a recent interview following the Mavericks’ playoff series win over the Phoenix Suns, Irving was asked about the swirling rumors connecting Dallas to Cooper Flagg in a potential draft-night blockbuster. The veteran guard, known for his candor and introspective style, didn’t shy away from the topic.

“I’ve been watching Cooper [Flagg] since his high school tape,” Irving said. “He’s special. There’s no other word for it. He plays the game with a maturity that you don’t often see at that age.”

Irving continued, “If the front office has a way to bring in a guy like that, I’m all for it. I’m at the point in my career where I want to win, but I also want to mentor the next generation of guys who can carry this league. Cooper’s got that in him.”

For Mavericks fans and NBA analysts alike, Irving’s words were more than just praise. They were a rare public endorsement of a potential draft target—and possibly a signal that the Mavs’ veteran core is open to an injection of elite young talent.

What makes Flagg such a tantalizing target for a contending team like Dallas? It starts with his rare two-way prowess. At Duke, Flagg has shown the ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and block shots at a rate reminiscent of rookie Kevin Garnett. Offensively, he’s not just a slasher or transition athlete—he’s a creator. His handle is tight for his size, and his midrange jumper is ahead of schedule.

Flagg has also shown a willingness to defer when necessary—a trait that will endear him to ball-dominant stars like Dončić and Irving. In the NBA, where chemistry and ego management often outweigh pure talent, Flagg’s mature mindset could be a difference-maker.

“His game reminds me a little of Scottie Pippen with a modern twist,” Irving remarked. “He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. That’s rare.”

Of course, the elephant in the room is logistics. Dallas is currently a playoff team and unlikely to be selecting anywhere near the top of the draft, where Flagg is expected to go. For the Mavericks to realistically acquire him, they’d likely need to engineer a major trade involving future picks, young assets, or even a core player.

Some insiders have speculated that Dallas could explore a deal involving Josh Green, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, or even Jaden Hardy, along with multiple first-round picks. Others believe a potential third team could get involved—perhaps a rebuilding franchise holding a top-3 pick that sees value in a win-now package.

NBA insider Marc Stein weighed in: “If Dallas wants to move up for Flagg, they’ll have to pay a steep price. But don’t underestimate Nico Harrison [Mavericks GM]. He’s aggressive and knows Kyrie and Luka aren’t getting any younger. A bold move isn’t off the table.”

The dynamic between Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving has been one of the more pleasant surprises of the past NBA season. Once thought to be a volatile pairing, the two guards have found a rhythm—balancing Dončić’s ball-dominance with Irving’s creativity and late-game brilliance.

Flagg, still only 17 years old, would represent a dramatic shift in the team’s developmental timeline. Yet both stars appear open to that idea.

Dončić, when asked about the Flagg rumors, was diplomatic but positive: “He’s a great young player. I’ve watched a few of his games at Duke. If he comes here, I’d love to help him grow.”

Meanwhile, Irving appears to relish the idea of mentoring Flagg—a role he’s slowly embraced in the latter stage of his career. “Guys like Cooper need to be in a place where the culture is real,” Irving said. “That’s something I take seriously now—being part of that culture. If I can help him avoid some of the mistakes I made early on, then I’ve done my job.”

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has publicly acknowledged that Flagg is a one-and-done prospect, though he has yet to officially declare for the draft. Still, Scheyer knows Flagg’s time in Durham is limited—and impactful.

“Cooper is the kind of player you only get once every ten years,” Scheyer said. “He’s got the drive, the instincts, the team-first mentality. He’ll be ready for the league—probably more ready than most.”

That “ready” label only adds fuel to the fire for NBA franchises looking to acquire the top pick.

Adding Cooper Flagg to a roster already boasting two perennial All-Stars would be a bold identity shift. Dallas has mostly avoided top-tier youth in recent drafts, opting instead to surround Dončić with seasoned veterans. But as the league continues to trend toward hybrid lineups and defensive versatility, Flagg could represent the future of team-building.

“Imagine Cooper Flagg guarding the opposing team’s best wing while Luka and Kyrie go to work offensively,” one scout told The Athletic. “That’s a championship formula.”

Indeed, Irving’s willingness to share the spotlight with a young phenom speaks volumes about his evolution as a leader. It also sets the tone for Dallas’ front office: championship windows don’t stay open forever, but with the right injection of talent, they can be extended.

Social media erupted after Irving’s comments about Flagg. Mavericks fans began crafting dream starting lineups featuring Flagg alongside Dončić and Irving. Hashtags like #FlaggToDallas and #KyrieMentorMode started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans posting mock draft trade scenarios, Photoshop jerseys, and highlight reels.

The buzz reached such a pitch that ESPN’s First Take debated the legitimacy of Dallas as a real contender to land the No. 1 pick. Stephen A. Smith weighed in, saying: “If Kyrie wants Cooper Flagg, and Luka wants Cooper Flagg, then Dallas better find a way to make it happen. That’s a once-in-a-decade kind of talent, and you don’t pass that up.”

When pressed further on whether Flagg’s arrival could affect his own future in Dallas, Irving didn’t hesitate.

“I signed here to be part of something bigger than just myself. I want to win, yes, but I also want to leave a legacy,” he said. “If Cooper’s the kind of kid who can help build that legacy, then let’s go get him.”

That sentiment is rare in today’s NBA, where veterans often see high-profile rookies as threats to playing time or spotlight. Irving’s comments indicate a readiness to be both mentor and partner in pursuit of a title.

The possibility of Cooper Flagg joining the Dallas Mavericks remains speculative at best, but Kyrie Irving’s endorsement has taken the conversation from fantasy to credible buzz. In a league constantly driven by narrative, relationships, and star power, Irving’s public support could move the needle in the Mavs’ front office.

At the very least, it’s clear that the Mavericks are no longer just a two-star team—they’re thinking about building a dynasty. And if Cooper Flagg is the next foundational piece, Kyrie Irving is more than ready to welcome him with open arms.

As the draft approaches and trade talks heat up, one thing is certain: the Mavs, led by two of the league’s most brilliant guards, are not standing still. And with a prodigy like Cooper Flagg potentially in their sights, the future in Dallas could be brighter—and sooner—than anyone imagined.