As Spanish sensation Sergio De Larrea dazzles in Summer League, his rapid emergence forces Dallas to weigh the veteran brilliance of Kyrie Irving against their backcourt’s future.
Since being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, Kyrie Irving has completely reinvented his public image.
As a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Irving was viewed as a controversial and disruptive figure — but that perception changed after he landed in Dallas.
Irving is now seen as a respected locker-room leader and beloved teammate, all while remaining one of the most skilled players the NBA has ever seen. Just ask Mavericks head coach Dusty May ... who compared watching Irving work out to “watching Picasso paint a picture.”
At 34 years old, though, Irving’s future in Dallas will eventually require a difficult decision.
And a dazzling rookie could accelerate that timeline.
Sergio De Larrea has turned heads with his play at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The 20-year-old Spanish guard’s crafty performances have reflected the influence of his childhood idol, Luka Dončić.
De Larrea's court vision and passing ability have led to suggestions that Dallas should start the summer sensation as a rookie.
While it's unlikely he'll crack May's first five on opening night, De Larrea certainly looks comfortable for his age and should become a starter eventually.
The No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft may eventually become both the catalyst for Dallas to move on from Irving and its answer for how to replace him.
Irving holds a $42.4 million player option for the 2028-29 campaign and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent the following summer, making him 37 years old when the Mavs are no longer contractually tied to the nine-time All-Star.
By the time that decision arrives, De Larrea will be entering his fourth NBA season and — based on what we've witnessed in Vegas — should be ready to inherit a much larger role if he hasn't already by then.
Of course, that assumes Irving remains in Dallas for the next three seasons.
If De Larrea continues along his current trajectory, the Mavericks may eventually have to entertain trade conversations involving Irving rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
The 2016 NBA champion’s veteran presence remains valuable, but Dallas will also have to weigh that value against Irving’s age, eventual expiring contract and the importance of De Larrea’s development.
If the rookie proves ready for an expanded role ... the Mavericks’ difficult decision could arrive much sooner than expected.
