Kyrie Irving shows progress six months after ACL tear, with clips of deep shooting fueling hope for a return to peak form. Realistic ramp is gradual, but the sign of mobility and shot feel matters for his fantasy ceiling.

Dallas Mavericks must navigate guard depth as Irving nears return. D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum provide stopgap help, while Jaden Hardy and Max Christie develop. If Irving approaches prior form, Dallas could mount a late push in an injury-plagued season.

Sacramento kept its core in place and leaned into a championship chase rather than an overhaul, keeping Domantas Sabonis alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in summer plans while adding Dennis Schroder to steer the offense at point guard. The Kings also added depth via two 2025 draftees, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, and signaled further activity ahead of the season. A Sporting News mock trade paired Sabonis with four Mavericks pieces (Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy) plus a 2029 first-round pick in a bold swap, with Isaac Jones swapped in as part of the package. The hypothetical move would give Sacramento a defensive center in Gafford and a longer, versatile bench (Martin and Hardy) while leaving Mavericks’ frontcourt options open, potentially pairing Sabonis with Anthony Davis others for a formidable front line. The piece underscores Sacramento’s willingness to explore grand swaps while remaining wary of gutting its core.

The likelihood of LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers remains low, yet the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential suitor should a trade materialize. In this hypothetical scenario, discussions have circulated suggesting a trade involving several players. The proposed package would see LeBron, alongside his son Bronny James, moving to Dallas, while the Lakers would receive Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, and Jaden Hardy.

The Mavericks' interest hinges on their willingness to part with significant roster depth for a player nearing the twilight of his career. With LeBron set to turn 41 in December 2025, the question arises: is it prudent for Dallas to sacrifice multiple assets for a fleeting championship window?