Masai Ujiri is trying to calm the noise around Kyrie Irving’s future while the Dallas Mavericks continue a dramatic organizational reset.
The Mavericks’ new President of Basketball Operations has already moved on from Jason Kidd, but he is not speaking like Irving is next out the door.
Instead, Ujiri used a Kevin Durant conversation to explain why Dallas still sees something rare in Irving.
Masai Ujiri uses Kevin Durant line to defend Kyrie Irving’s fit with Dallas Mavericks
Speaking about Kyrie Irving’s future, Masai Ujiri explained why the Dallas Mavericks still value the veteran guard.
Ujiri said, “Kevin Durant once told me that there’s only one Kyrie walking around in the world. I think we have to figure out a way… how Kyrie fits with our program.
“I’ve had those conversations with Kyrie up ’til yesterday, and I think Kyrie will fit,” he added.
That answer was important because it came during a turbulent stretch for Dallas. Ujiri has taken over basketball operations, Kidd has been fired, and the franchise is still dealing with the fallout from the Luka Doncic trade.
Irving is one of the last major veteran pieces left from the previous era, which naturally made his status a league-wide talking point.
Kyrie Irving uncertainty grows as Dallas Mavericks rebuild around Cooper Flagg
The reason Irving’s future is in doubt is not only about talent, because Ujiri clearly respects what he can still bring.
The concern is timing. Irving is 34, missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL, and Dallas is now building around Cooper Flagg as its long-term centerpiece.
Trading him would fully signal a reset, especially after Kidd’s exit and Nico Harrison’s previous firing.
Ujiri’s comments suggest he is not rushing toward that outcome. He wants to see how Irving fits with Flagg and the next coach before making a franchise-changing call.
For now, the message from Dallas is clear. Irving’s future is no longer guaranteed by the old structure, but Ujiri is still treating him like someone worth building with.
Read more:
