Biggest mistake in Mavs history?
LeBron with a clear Irving message
Sebastian Mühlenhof
The Dallas Mavericks trade Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets. There is great hope that he will become Luka Doncic’s long-sought congenial partner. But the trade carries great risk.
Kyrie Irving’s era with the Brooklyn Nets is probably over. (NEWS: All current information about the NBA)
The point guard, who went to the New York borough in 2019, is likely to trade with Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Nets, on the other hand, get Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick in 2029, and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
A high price for a player who has recently made headlines off the field. The question is therefore whether the Mavs are worth the risk.
Doncic and Irving: New dream duo?
From a purely athletic point of view, Irving is the much-needed second star player Dallas has been looking for for years. After the failed experiment with Kristaps Porzingis, those responsible are now relying on a ball-dominant guard.
The playmaker has averaged 27.1 points and 5.3 assists this season. Paired with superstar Luka Doncic, who has 33.4 points and 8.2 assists this season, it’s the best backcourt in the league by numbers. (DATA: NBA results and schedule)
However, the new duo will have to find each other as both like to have the ball in their own hands. However, Irving has already proven that he can lower his own standards.
When he played with LeBron James for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was the second option – and performed at a strong level. As a co-star, he reached the finals three times with James and celebrated the 2016 NBA title. (ARTICLE: What is LeBron trying to say?)
Irving back in top form? Mavericks with a clear plan
Those responsible in Texas are now hoping for the same triumph. According to consistent media reports, they feel very well prepared to get the 30-year-old back on track.
In Jason Kidd they have a head coach who is held in high esteem by Irving. In addition, General Manager Nico Harrison has a good relationship with the new Mavs player. Before coming to Dallas in 2021, he worked for years at Nike, which became Irving’s permanent outfitter.
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The Mavs now used this network to outperform competitors like the Los Angeles Lakers and to secure a highly talented player.
Irving with a long scandal file
However, this trade also carries immense risk for Dallas. After all, Irving was an unparalleled scandal professional during his time with the Nets.
He refused a corona vaccination and missed numerous games. In addition to internal disputes about his contract – the highlight was the trade demand last summer, which turned out to be nothing more than a negotiating tactic – he caused a sensation in November with a posted video that had anti-Semitic content. (NEWS: Irving’s way offside)
Only after much bickering did he publicly apologize and firmly reject the allegations of hating Jews.
After all: The first pick of the 2011 draft praised the Mavericks as a “great team” in October and should be looking forward to his new teammate Doncic. “He plays at an incredible pace. He makes great decisions,” he said after the home defeat to Dallas.
Despite the Irving trade: Are the Mavs going to do it again?
The question remains why the Mavs didn’t simply extend Jalen Brunson’s expiring contract last summer. After all, he harmonized very well with Doncic and led the team to the finals of the Western Conference.
Even though Irving has more sporting talent, Brunson has shown himself to be a team player and has not made negative headlines.
Also of concern is the departure of Finney-Smith. He’s been one of the few good defensive players, which is the Mavs’ big problem area this year. Now Josh Green will be challenged more, whose development is at least positive. (DATA: Tables of the NBA)
However, there will probably be one or two transfers before the trade deadline to strengthen the team. Because even Irving is not recognized as the best defender.
Dallas Mavericks: Will the risk pay off with Irving?
Still, it’s the Mavs’ all-in move that many have been waiting for.
After all, Doncic has been the sole entertainer on the offensive for years and lacks any relief. This year the Slovenian plays even more than ever before.
Doncic coach reacts: “Everyone is in shock”
Irving now offers such a relief. He can not only stand with him on the field, but also lead the offensive without him. However, his availability has been a big problem lately, with Irving only playing 143 games in the past four years.
It is also unclear whether Irving will extend his contract beyond the summer. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time that Irving suddenly doesn’t feel like a franchise – even if the Mavs can make him the most financially lucrative offer thanks to the Bird rights.
So only time will tell if Irving was worth the risk or if this trade will go down as one of the biggest mistakes in Mavs history.
