Mark Cuban Sends Clear Message on Kyrie Irving to Rockets Mock Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 9:51 AM ET

A mock NBA trade can stir up plenty of reaction, but not many responses slow down the noise quite like a direct message from Mark Cuban. Even after selling the majority stake of the Dallas Mavericks, Cuban still holds a minority share and remains closely involved with the franchise. His voice carries weight in Dallas, especially when it comes to star talent.

So when a viral mock trade sent Kyrie Irving to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney Smith and a 2029 first round pick, many wondered how the longtime Mavericks decision maker would feel about it.

His response was short and clear. He simply wrote the word “No.” That one word sent fans into plenty of discussion, added more fodder to the conversation and showed that Cuban is still keeping a close eye on the roster as the 2025 season continues to play out.

Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reaction To The Viral Trade Idea

The mock trade came from a CBS Sports proposal suggesting a win now shakeup between the Mavericks and Rockets. Dallas would receive VanVleet, a veteran guard who brings organization and defense, along with Finney Smith, a familiar face who played crucial minutes during Luka Doncic's earlier playoff runs.

Mixing in a future first round pick seemed to sweeten the package. Yet the idea of moving Irving caught the attention of fans across both markets.

The Rockets have built around Kevin Durant with young talent as Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. have all been strong early on. Houston is 9-3 and third in the Western Conference standings.

Adding Irving, who is currently out with a knee injury could help motivate him for a late season or postseason return for a Houston team looking to make noise.

Meanwhile Dallas has been a mess to start the season with four wins in 15 games. The Mavericks recently fired their general manager Nico Harrison, who traded away Doncic last February.

Cuban’s One Word Response Sets The Tone

Cuban does not speak on every rumor, which makes his involvement in this moment stand out even more. His one word reply showed exactly how he felt about the proposal. It made clear that despite the mock trade gaining traction online, the idea of sending Irving away for that particular package is not something he supports despite the slow start to the 2025-26 season.

Small List: Key Parts Of The Mock Trade

Mavericks would receive:
• Fred VanVleet
• Dorian Finney Smith
• 2029 first round pick

Rockets would receive:
• Kyrie Irving

Cuban’s public rejection may have brought some finality to the conversation and reminded fans that sometimes the simplest answer says the most. After firing Nico Harrison, the Mavericks are likely to be a little hesitant regarding any big deals, especially involving star players.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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