Kyrie Irving trade target: Raptors eye Mavericks star in blockbuster deal

Kyrie Irving remains a top trade chip as Raptors explore blockbuster moves

Kyrie Irving is a reported trade target for the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster three-team deal that could also involve Kawhi Leonard. The Mavericks have so far refused to trade Irving, but Toronto’s pursuit underscores his elite value even after missing the entire 2025-26 season with an ACL tear.

What happened?

The Raptors are exploring a three-team trade that would send Kawhi Leonard to Toronto while bringing Kyrie Irving to Dallas. In exchange, Toronto would send Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to Dallas. The Mavericks have yet to budge on trading Irving, viewing him as a key piece for their young core led by Cooper Flagg.

Why it matters for Kyrie Irving

At 34, Irving is still under contract with a $39.5 million cap hit for 2026-27 and a player option the following year. His return from injury has kept him in trade rumors despite the Mavericks’ stance. Toronto would need to match his salary to avoid the luxury tax apron, but the move would add elite playmaking and scoring to a Raptors roster already pushing the Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.

What comes next?

The Raptors are hard-capped at $209 million and would take on more salary than they send out. If Leonard’s deal falls through, Toronto could still land Irving to pair with Brandon Ingram, who is owed $120 million over three years. The Mavericks’ president of basketball operations has a history with Toronto’s Masai Ujiri, which could grease the wheels for a deal.