Full Breakdown
Mavericks Aim to Pair Rookie Sensation Cooper Flagg with Returning Star Kyrie Irving Under New Coach Dusty May
7/13/2026, 12:16:20 PM
Core Development Plan
The Dallas Mavericks are constructing their 2026-27 roster around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and veteran point guard Kyrie Irving. Front-office leader Masai Ujiri and newly hired head coach Dusty May have publicly affirmed that the duo will start together on opening night, provided Irving’s ACL recovery stays on schedule.
Background & Context
Flagg, the former Duke Blue Devils standout, captured the NBA Rookie of the Year award after posting 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 70 starts in his debut season—statistics matched only by Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic among rookies in the past 45 years. Irving missed the entire 2025-26 campaign while rehabbing a torn left ACL suffered in March 2025. He remains under contract for two more seasons and is slated to return for the fall 2026 opening night.
Dusty May left the University of Michigan in June 2026 after guiding the Wolverines to their first national championship in 37 years, becoming the first college head coach hired to an NBA bench since John Beilein’s 2019 move to the Cleveland Cavaliers. May’s transition arrives as the Mavericks seek stability after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons following a 2024 NBA Finals appearance.
Key Figures
- Cooper Flagg – Rookie of the Year, primary offensive focus.
- Kyrie Irving – Four-time All-Star, recovering from ACL injury, expected starter.
- Dusty May – Former Michigan head coach, now Mavericks head coach.
- Masai Ujiri – President of basketball operations, champion of the Flagg-Irving pairing.
Official Statements & Responses
Ujiri repeatedly emphasized his commitment to Irving, noting that the veteran “fits into the team’s long-term plans” and that he has spoken directly with Irving about his role. He dismissed circulating trade speculation, stating that the organization’s goal is to “pair the veteran guard up with Flagg.”
May, after observing Irving’s workout in Las Vegas, expressed confidence in the guard’s readiness and highlighted the creative flair Irving brings to the court, describing the experience as akin to watching a master artist at work.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts speculated that the Mavericks might trade Irving to accelerate a youth-centric rebuild centered solely on Flagg, especially after the departure of former head coach Jason Kidd, who had close ties to Irving. The rumor mill intensified during the summer league, but Ujiri’s public denial has quelled immediate trade chatter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's only one Kyrie walking around in the world.” — Masai Ujiri, in reference to a conversation with Kevin Durant.
- “I spoke with Kyrie [Irving] and actually witnessed a workout this morning, and I felt like I left the gym watching Picasso paint a picture,” — Dusty May, press conference, June 29 2026.
- “Irving's array of dribble moves and footwork is the splash of paint on the canvas that the Mavericks need to create a masterpiece.” — Dusty May, post-workout commentary.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Trade rumors suggested Irving could be moved, yet Ujiri’s statements categorically reject that scenario. No concrete trade offers have been disclosed, leaving the speculation unresolved.
- Irving’s exact health timeline remains unverified; while the organization expects his return for opening night, no medical confirmation has been published.
What’s Next
The Mavericks plan to announce their final roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Irving slated to rejoin the lineup if his rehabilitation proceeds as anticipated. The team’s first regular-season game is scheduled for opening night in the fall of 2026, where the Flagg-Irving backcourt is expected to debut.
