TROUBLED WATERS: Is Kyrie Holding the Cards? How Dallas Could Sway Harden’s Clippers Future
TROUBLED WATERS: Is Kyrie Holding the Cards? How Dallas Could Sway Harden’s Clippers Future. The NBA offseason is already brimming with speculation, but beneath the surface, a subtle connection is forming between two Western Conference stars: Kyrie Irving and James Harden. While they don’t share a team, their futures may be more entangled than most fans realize. The Mavericks’ situation with Kyrie could quietly influence what happens next for Harden and the Clippers.
Kyrie Irving remains one of the league’s most unpredictable stars. His talent is undeniable, but his fit within the Mavericks continues to raise questions. Dallas has struggled to find the right balance between Irving and Luka Dončić. Despite flashes of brilliance, the duo hasn’t delivered consistent postseason success. That leaves the Mavericks with a dilemma: continue building around the current core or explore major changes.
Meanwhile, the Clippers face their own challenges. James Harden, now an unrestricted free agent, hasn’t committed to staying in Los Angeles. His fit with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George hasn’t produced the championship result the Clippers envisioned when they traded for him. Management wants to keep the core intact, but Harden’s decision hinges on roster certainty, future competitiveness, and role clarity.
Here’s where things intersect.
League insiders believe the Mavericks are quietly monitoring Harden’s situation. If Dallas decides to part ways with Kyrie, they could make a serious push for Harden. He offers a steadier presence, better distribution, and the ability to play off-ball when needed. Harden might complement Luka more naturally than Irving does. If Dallas explores that route, it would signal a shift in priorities—one that alters the landscape for both teams.
On the flip side, if Dallas doubles down on Kyrie and recommits to the Irving-Dončić pairing, that stability could push Harden back toward a Clippers return. Harden wants clarity. If Dallas isn’t in play, his best option might still be in Los Angeles, where he has a starting role, big-market exposure, and unfinished business.
Timing matters. The Mavericks must decide quickly whether Kyrie remains their long-term solution. A trade or public commitment could send a clear signal across the league. Harden’s camp is watching closely, and sources suggest he wants to make a decision early in free agency.
So while the spotlight shines on Harden’s choices, Kyrie’s role in Dallas quietly holds weight. Whether he stays or goes could determine the next chapter for not just himself, but also for another future Hall of Famer trying to write his own ending.
In this high-stakes offseason, one team’s decision could ripple through the West—and Kyrie may be holding more cards than anyone expected.