Just a few days ago, star point guard Kyrie Irving unexpectedly requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. With Irving’s contract expiring this coming offseason, the Nets had no choice but to trade him so they could get the most out of his tremendous value. After a lot of speculation, Kyrie Irving was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks to be paired up with MVP front-runner, Luka Donic. This move says a lot about both teams and their plans going forward.
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris
Brooklyn Nets receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, 2029 first-round pick, 2027 and 2029 second-round picks
Recently, Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, has been getting negative media coverage for the Mavericks’ lackluster team around the young prodigy, Luka Doncic. Finally, the Mavericks have made the move that will enhance them from playoff contender to championship contender. Taking advantage of Kyrie Irving’s trade request, the Mavericks traded very little to get Irving. The Mavericks proved that they are finally willing to build a high-quality team around Luka Doncic, arguably the best player in the NBA. Just last season, the Mavericks were in the Western Conference Finals but didn’t have enough to reach the NBA Finals. This year, the Mavericks have been a solid team, but they’ve clearly been missing a piece. Luka Doncic has carried the Mavericks to a 28-26 record, but this is not sustainable come playoff time. By acquiring future hall-of-fame point guard Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks will be a threat to win the NBA Finals this year, and for many years to come.
Just a few years ago, it looked as though the Nets would dominate the NBA with their newly acquired trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. The Nets ended up going through much drama among their star players, and now James Harden and Kyrie Irving, are both playing for new teams. Even though the Nets were forced into trading Irving, it shows that there is something wrong in Brooklyn. This is the second time Irving has requested a trade, along with Kevin Durant requesting a trade earlier this season. This has nothing to do with the Nets being a bad team because they have been pretty good this season. The Nets team chemistry and culture just don’t seem to be there, and due to that, players don’t want to play in Brooklyn. This is the next piece of the Brooklyn Nets to fall, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Durant again demands out of Brooklyn later this year. With the loss of Irving, it is unlikely that the Nets will be championship contenders, though they will probably still make the playoffs because they have Kevin Durant. This trade is the beginning of the end for the Brooklyn Nets and the start of a new era in Dallas.
Third Down With Devin 