The duo of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving has been good as advertised, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 7-5 record. While the Minnesota Timberwolves blew them out on Thursday, there have been plenty of encouraging signs for the Mavericks.

Irving has looked great after a one-year absence due to an ACL injury. He is still trying to regain his explosiveness, but overall, he looks like he has not lost a step. He has gelled well with Flagg, and it appears they genuinely like sharing the floor.

While Irving has repeatedly stated his happiness in Dallas, the trade chatter surrounding him persists. The Athletic's Sam Amick, however, predicted that the nine-time All-Star will not be dealt at the trade deadline, contrary to what many are expecting.

“All in all, I’d lean strongly toward Irving staying put at this point,” wrote Amick.

“Yet when you talk to rival teams about players who would truly change the playoff landscape if they were dealt, and who are widely expected to generate serious interest because of that belief, Irving still tops the list. Never mind that the Mavericks, and Irving, for that matter, have shown no signs of wanting a split.”

The 34-year-old guard is averaging 21.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals.

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As Amick noted, Irving could be a free agent next year, leading to the recurring “outside interest.” In the meantime, the Mavericks, particularly Masai Ujiri, who is in his first year as general manager, are bullish on the tandem of Flagg and Irving. Plus, the 19-year-old Flagg should benefit a lot from Irving's mentorship.

“His (Ujiri) interest in maximizing Irving’s presence should come as no surprise, as the Mavs, who don't have outright control of their own first-round pick until 2031, are otherwise limited in ways to surround Flagg with talent,” added Amick.

Irving is being linked to the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons.