Overview

• Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the start of 2025–26 after tearing an ACL in March with a potential January return.
• Dallas is exploring trade pathways for Boston’s Jrue Holiday but faces significant hurdles from his remaining $104 million, three-year contract.
• Lonzo Ball is viewed as a more contract-friendly target after signing a $20 million, two-year extension despite concerns over his injury history.
• Free-agent veteran Chris Paul, who played all 82 games this past season, is under consideration as an affordable plug-and-play solution.
• Cap limitations from Cooper Flagg’s rookie-scale deal and Irving’s looming extension leave the Mavericks relying on trades over high-spend free agency.