NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks GM Nico Harrison looks at Kyrie Irving fill-in for cheap

The Dallas Mavericks had an interesting season, to say the least. From the lows of general manager Nico Harrison trading away franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the team landing the top pick in the draft lottery, fans have been on a roller-coaster ride.

While the manner in which the Doncic trade was executed can be debated, there’s no denying that Harrison’s decision showed some vision that could have played out differently if not for injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Davis went down in his first game with the Mavericks on Feb. 8 with an adductor strain. As the team tried to stay afloat in his absence, the final nail in the coffin came in the form of Irving’s left ACL tear on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings.

With Irving likely out for most of the 2025-26 regular season, the team needs a starting-caliber point guard who can hold down the position until the one-time champion returns.

The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer reported that “Dallas is looking for a fill-in starter until Irving returns.” While the team likely won’t be able to offer a large contract, it can offer the starting guard spot to begin the season.

Even though the Dallas Mavericks are likely to get a whole lot stronger with the addition of Cooper Flagg as the top pick in the NBA draft, it doesn’t address their immediate needs at the guard position.

Dallas could draft guard Dylan Harper out of Rutgers, but Harrison is very unlikely to go down that road after the criticism he received for trading Doncic.

Mavericks could target Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday

The Dallas Mavericks need a playmaking guard until Irving returns, and they would want a cheap contract as well. According to Spotrac, the current roster’s total cap hit for the upcoming season is $222,302,441, which is $67 million over the salary cap.

Put simply, the Mavericks will need to make trades to get a starting-caliber point guard. Jrue Holiday could be a great addition, as the Boston Celtics reportedly want to reduce their luxury tax for the upcoming season. They are unlikely to move Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, which makes almost everyone else available for trade.

Holiday is slated to earn $32.4 million in the upcoming season. If the Mavericks are willing to trade some of their assets, such as Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II, they could possibly land Holiday.

Holiday, who is already 35, could agree to a renewed contract if Dallas extends him beyond the 2027-28 season.

While this deal would require some financial maneuvering, Holiday fits the mold of players Harrison likes. The general manager has been vocal about wanting players who are effective on both ends of the floor.

Holiday is one of the best two-way guards in the league and should be a great fit alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and likely Cooper Flagg.