Kyrie Irving 'Ecstatic' About Trade to Luka Doncic's Mavs
The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Kyrie Irving in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie. Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and multiple second-round picks.
By acquiring Irving, the Mavs have two starters in the 2023 NBA All-Star game, including Luka Doncic. Irving, who won the 2016 NBA Finals alongside LeBron James, is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Irving is "ecstatic" to join the Mavs and form a duo with Luka Doncic.
DallasBasketball.com has been told that Doncic - having had the idea of the deal run by him - is also pleased with the outcome.
Irving is earning $36.9 million this season and will become an unrestricted free agent barring a contract extension agreement. Reaching an agreement early would be challenging since he is eligible only to sign a two-year deal worth $78.6 million. By waiting until the offseason, Irving could sign a four-year deal worth up to $198.5 million.
In the short-term, the Mavs are undoubtedly taking a risk by going all-in on Doncic's desires to contend for championships as soon as possible. Christian Wood is also playing in the final year of his contract with an unlikely outlook for an extension due to CBA restrictions.
There is no shortage of offensive firepower surrounding Doncic ahead of a potential playoff run. With a guard like Irving who thrives in isolation, pick-and-roll, and spot-up situations, among many others, opposing teams will have a challenging with matchups accounting for both.
It's already a nightmare trying to keep both smaller guards away from Doncic, who has emerged as a major post-up threat. Allowing big men to switch onto him is also concerning. Now, factoring in Irving and Wood are both going to be in the mix, game-planning becomes all the more challenging to pull off.
Defensively, the Mavs will have their work cut out for themselves after parting with Finney-Smith. However, Dinwiddie was a negative on that end of the floor, so the direct player-for-player swap being Irving for him doesn't come with much of a difference. Dallas will need to be tied together as a unit and perhaps survey external options to maximize their rotation.
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