Kyrie Irving Returns as Mavericks Eye Kawhi Leonard Trade

Kyrie Irving is coming back from a torn ACL as the Dallas Mavericks explore a potential trade for Kawhi Leonard.

The Mavericks have had discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers about a deal that would send Leonard to Dallas for a package including P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks.

Joe Johnson, a seven-time NBA All-Star, thinks the combination of Leonard, Irving, and Cooper Flagg would be a formidable one, saying "That's a helluva team."

Leonard's history of knee injuries at 35 years old is a concern, and it's unclear if he would be willing to sign an extension in Dallas, making him a potential one-year rental.

The Mavericks recently hired Masai Ujiri as their president of basketball operations, who has a history with Leonard from their time together in Toronto.

On May 20, Ujiri stated that the team's decisions would be "future-based" with Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg in mind.

Leonard is entering the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million deal and will make $50.3 million in 2026-27 before becoming a free agent.

The Athletic reported that the Mavericks have expressed trade interest in Leonard, but sources say Dallas is not currently considered a plausible trade destination.

Ujiri's vision for the team's future may not align with a potential trade for Leonard, who led the Toronto Raptors to a championship in 2019.

Kyrie Irving, 34, is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to return to the court for the Mavericks.

The potential trade for Leonard would depend on various factors, including the team's willingness to give up draft capital and young prospects.

As the NBA offseason continues, the Mavericks will have to weigh their options and decide whether to pursue a trade for Leonard or focus on building around their young core, including Irving and Flagg.