Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors Updated by NBA Insider with Latest Intel from 'Rival Teams'
Even though Kyrie Irving would seem less likely now to be moved before the NBA trade deadline in February with the Dallas Mavericks off to a strong start, that won't stop opposing clubs from at least kicking the tires to see if something can happen. Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, "rival teams" around the league still view Irving as someone who would generate significant trade interest because is the one potential target who can "truly change the playoff landscape" if a deal were to come together. Any concerns about Irving's ability coming off a torn ACL that kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season have so far been alleviated. The 34-year-old is averaging 21.6 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting (39.0 percent from three) in 10 starts. The Mavs have managed Irving's minutes so far this season. He is averaging 30.1 minutes per contest, which would be the fewest of his career if it stays at that level. Despite the hiring of Masai Ujiri as team president in May, he has shown no inclination toward trading Irving. He said prior to the start of the season the organization "truly" believes in the nine-time All-Star and he can be part of what they want to build around Cooper Flagg. The Flagg-Irving pairing has been working great so far. They have led the Mavs to a 7-5 record, including wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. Thursday's 133-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves did pour some cold water on the Mavs' start.
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Tigers showing interest in LHP Shota Imanaga, per report
The Detroit Tigers have already made two moves to address the bullpen this offseason. They inked veteran right-hander Jacob Waguespack to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million after a solid showing in middle relief for the Tigers in 2026. They quickly proceeded to bigger fish, signing veteran setup man and closer RHP Emilio Pagán to a one-year, $11.5 million deal. Now it looks like they may pivot to starting pitching. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports from the GM Meetings in Las Vegas that the Tigers have shown interest in free agent southpaw, Shota Imanaga. The Tigers have rarely landed talent from Japan, but they've been making a more concerted effort in recent years, and are even scouting top prep Japanese pitcher Shoki Oda. The Tigers may not be the favorite to land him, but Imanága is an interesting idea to explore. The 33-year-old left-hander was a two-time All-Star in the NPB for the Yokohama DeNE BayStars from 2016-2023. He was posted during the 2023-2024 offseason and signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. He went on to be an MLB All-Star for the Cubs in 2024 before putting up a pair of mediocre seasons for them in 2025-2026. Still, he holds a 3.45 ERA/4.32 FIP combination over 492.1 innings of work and has been very durable in his early 30's.
A Blockbuster Devin Booker Trade Idea That Actually Makes Sense
The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns returned to respectability with 45 wins, fighting through two play-in games before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a quick sweep. Through 10 games this season, the Suns (4-6) have yet to click, as the competition in the Western Conference is unforgiving. Unless the Suns can fix their porous defense and start racking up wins, it may be time for the franchise to explore trading five-time All-Star Devin Booker. Now in his 12th season, Booker remains a prolific 25.1-point scorer, but he's carrying a sizable four-year, $252.6 million contract (with a player option before the 2029-30 season). The Atlanta Hawks stand out as a viable partner in this theoretical trade concept. The Phoenix Suns receive: CJ McCollum, Kingston Flemings, Dorian Finney-Smith, Corey Kispert, protected 2028 first-rounder Phoenix added two years to Booker's deal in July 2025, rewarding its best player with another projected $134.5 million—the exact figure won't be decided until the 2028-29 salary cap is set. The franchise may not regret the loyalty; it may just find its way out of paying for it. The Suns would seek a greater pick haul than the one included in this deal, which would be top-5 protected for three years before converting into a pair of second-rounders (New York Knicks in 2030, Sacramento Kings in 2033). The two teams can hammer out those details. Phoenix's challenge is the heft of Booker's deal, a number large enough to turn off most potential suitors.
Ranking Tarik Skubal's Landing Spots With Mystery Team Predictions Amid Latest Free Agent Rumors
Tarik Skubal is the biggest name on the 2026-27 MLB free-agent market, and with a potential lockout looming, there have been considerable rumblings surrounding his market in recent days. Ronald Blum of the Associated Pressreported on Tuesday that Skubal is planning to meet with six teams in the coming weeks, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and San Diego Padres part of that group. On Wednesday, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are also part of that group, leaving two mystery teams in the mix if this is indeed the list of finalists. Ahead, we have speculated on the most likely mystery teams, along with ranking the four confirmed suitors by their likelihood of signing the two-time Cy Young winner. 1. San Francisco Giants: There is a clear need for another frontline starter alongside Logan Webb, and the Giants have enough money tied up in veteran bats that they should be in win-now mode even after a 97-loss season. 2. Baltimore Orioles:After making a splash with the Pete Alonso signing last winter, nothing would move the needle more for the Orioles than finding a bona fide ace, especially with Trevor Rogers on the free-agent market. 3. Atlanta Braves:A stagnant contender in need of a roster shakeup rather than a full-scale retooling, the Braves could build a lethal one-two punch with Skubal and Chris Sale. Their pursuit would also potentially block interested division rivals in the Mets and Phillies.
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