Irving, Davis open 2026-27 atop early trade watch

Mavericks pivot to 19-year-old Flagg timeline

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

What happened: Dallas president Masai Ujiri publicly backs Irving's fit alongside Cooper Flagg after Irving missed last season with a torn ACL. Washington delays Anthony Davis extension talks while building around AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr.

Why it matters: Irving, 34, can reach free agency this summer, misaligned with 19-year-old Flagg's timeline. Davis, 33, carries another looming payday that does not fit a rebuild. Both clubs face February decisions on contenders versus picks and youth.

By the numbers: Irving: 34 years old, nine-time All-Star, missed all of last season (torn ACL), can be free agent this summer. Davis: 33, 10-time All-Star and NBA champion. Flagg: 19, core timeline driver in Dallas.

What to watch: Irving's early-season form determines Dallas's stance into February. Davis's health determines whether Washington restarts extension talks.

Sources

Yahoo NBA 2026-10-16T16:55:18.355671+00:00

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