Amid a 4-11 start to the 2025-26 NBA season, many are wondering if the Dallas Mavericks lost the Luka Doncic trade, even if they ended up drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft.

So when a viral mock trade sent Kyrie Irving to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney Smith and a 2029 first round pick, many wondered how the longtime Mavericks decision maker would feel about it.

If both men can remain active for an extended period of time, the Mavericks could at least have a fig h ting chance in the Western Conference. They will need to be sharp against the incoming Knickerbockers. Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.