With Kyrie Irving expected to miss the start of the 2025–26 season as he continues recovering from a torn ACL, the Dallas Mavericks could look to reinforce their lineup with another playmaker and versatile defender.

According to a recent proposal from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, one potential move could involve sending Caleb Martin and a 2030 second-round pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kyle Anderson — a deal aimed at improving Dallas’ early-season stability and maintaining its defensive identity while its All-Star guard works his way back.

Bailey’s hypothetical trade suggests that Anderson’s mix of size, experience, and facilitation could fill a short-term need in Dallas’ rotation without compromising long-term flexibility.

The 6-foot-9 forward, who once played point guard at UCLA, has carved out a reputation as a steady connector on both ends of the floor — capable of initiating offense, defending multiple positions, and elevating teammates through unselfish play.

“He’s shown at several stops in the league that he can initiate or boost an offense,” Bailey wrote, adding that Anderson’s defensive versatility aligns with general manager Nico Harrison’s team-building philosophy that “defense wins championships.”

Kyle Anderson’s Fit With the Dallas Mavericks

In 2024–25, Anderson averaged 5.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 61 games, providing steady secondary playmaking and switchable defense.

His experience in structured systems could mesh well with Dallas’ core led by Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Klay Thompson, offering head coach Jason Kidd another adaptable forward who can handle the ball in pinch situations.

Financially, Anderson’s deal also makes sense for a front office focused on flexibility. He is owed $9.2 million this season and holds a non-guaranteed $9.7 million salary for 2026–27, which becomes fully guaranteed on June 29, 2026.

That structure gives Dallas the ability to adjust depending on how the roster evolves over the next two seasons.

A Whirlwind Year for Kyle Anderson

Anderson’s last year in the NBA was a whirlwind. He was traded three times during the 2024–25 season, marking one of the most active stretches of his career.

He began the year with the Minnesota Timberwolves before being dealt to the Golden State Warriors on July 6, 2024, in a historic six-team trade that sent Klay Thompson to Dallas. Anderson officially joined Golden State on a three-year, $27 million contract via sign-and-trade, giving him a fresh start with a contender.

That stint didn’t last long. At the February 6, 2025, trade deadline, Anderson was moved to the Miami Heat in a five-team blockbuster deal that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. The trade also involved multiple high-profile players, including Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell.

Then came another move just months later. On July 7, 2025, Anderson was traded again — this time from Miami to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal that also sent Kevin Love to Utah, John Collins to the Clippers, and Norman Powell to Miami.

After a year of constant relocation, Anderson now finds himself in Utah, where Bailey suggests he could be dealt once again — this time to Dallas, where his steady playmaking and defensive awareness could help stabilize the Mavericks’ rotation.

Why the Utah Jazz Might Consider It

For the Utah Jazz, currently in the midst of a rebuild, Anderson’s veteran presence doesn’t fit their long-term timeline.

Bailey argued that turning him into a future second-round pick and acquiring Caleb Martin, who is younger and under team control, would be a worthwhile exchange.

Martin averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 45 games last season. His athleticism and perimeter defense could complement Utah’s developing core while providing more scoring punch on the wing.

He’s under contract for $9.6 million this season and $10.0 million next year, with a $9.4 million player option for 2027–28.

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