The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2025-26 postseason riding the momentum of a Western Conference Finals victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, only to fall 4-1 to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. The series exposed a glaring mismatch in the backcourt: De'Aaron Fox, who had been a starter throughout the season, struggled against the Knicks’ defensive schemes, while rookie Dylan Harper demonstrated a more physical edge.

When Harper shared the floor with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs outscored the Knicks by 15.3 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA analyst Evan Siderey. "Needing to win three of the next four to force a Game 7 in the NBA Finals, it’s time to bench De’Aaron Fox in favor of Wembanyama’s long-term option," Siderey wrote. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn added that Harper’s 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame gives him a size advantage over Fox’s 6-foot-3, 185-pound build, allowing him to guard Jalen Brunson more effectively and switch onto larger opponents.

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A mock-trade scenario floated the idea of sending Fox to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Kyrie Irving. Irving, a nine-time All-Star and NBA champion, would bring the playoff experience that the Spurs lacked in the Finals. He is currently under a three-year, $118 million contract with Dallas, a deal that makes him one of the league’s most valuable veteran guards.

Adding Irving would create a veteran-heavy guard rotation alongside Harper and the league-changing center Victor Wembanyama. While Fox’s contract is sizable, the Spurs could attach draft assets to make the deal palatable for the Mavericks. Irving’s championship pedigree and postseason poise could accelerate San Antonio’s transition from a rebuilding franchise to an immediate contender, giving the young core a reliable floor leader in high-leverage moments.

The feasibility of such a trade hinges on Dallas’ willingness to move Irving and the Spurs’ ability to navigate salary-cap constraints. If the Mavericks were to entertain the swap, the Spurs would need to balance the acquisition of Irving’s talent against the loss of a young, high-upside guard in Fox. Regardless of whether the deal materializes, the discussion underscores San Antonio’s desire to pair Wembanyama with seasoned talent to push beyond the conference stage.

Ultimately, the Spurs’ recent playoff run highlighted the thin line between a deep run and a championship. By contemplating a move for Kyrie Irving, the organization signals a clear intent to complement its burgeoning stars with proven winners, aiming to translate regular-season success into a title-contending campaign.