Kyrie Irving has always had a knack for making bold statements, and his recent comments about his trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks were no exception. Referring to the trade that sent him to Dallas in February 2023, Irving declared:
“Best trade in the business, baby. We won that trade! I was bad goods.”
Kyrie Irving on the trade that sent him from Brooklyn to Dallas:
“Best trade in the business baby. We won that trade! We won that trade! I was bad goods.” pic.twitter.com/ViU1YdIn4Q
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) January 18, 2025
The trade that Irving referenced was a significant turning point for both him and the Mavericks. After a tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, which included controversies like his refusal to comply with New York’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Irving was traded alongside Markieff Morris to the Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and multiple future draft picks.
While his arrival in Dallas mid-season didn’t immediately translate to success—the Mavericks missed the playoffs in 2023—it set the stage for a transformative impact the following year. Irving and Luka Doncic formed one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts, propelling Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they fell just short of the ultimate prize.
Irving has been nothing short of spectacular since donning a Mavericks jersey. His ability to create offense, combined with Doncic’s generational talent, has reinvigorated the franchise.
In his first full season with Dallas, Irving averaged 25.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds during the playoffs, proving instrumental in the team’s 2024 NBA Finals postseason run. His leadership and clutch performances silenced critics who doubted his fit alongside Doncic.
Despite battling injuries this season, Irving continues to be a cornerstone for Dallas. He’s averaging 23.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Even with both Irving and Doncic missing time due to injuries, the Mavericks have managed a 23-19 record, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Irving’s remarks about the trade, including his sarcastic comment, “I was bad goods,” highlight the tension that marked his time in Brooklyn. During his four seasons with the Nets, Irving played just 143 games due to a combination of injuries, personal decisions, and team-imposed suspensions. While his talent was undeniable, the off-court distractions overshadowed his contributions.
Since Irving’s departure, the Nets have struggled to regain their footing. Despite retaining some promising talent, they have failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs. Irving’s success with Dallas contrasts sharply with Brooklyn’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
The Mavericks’ decision to pair Irving with Doncic is paying dividends. Their complementary skill sets—Irving’s scoring and playmaking alongside Doncic’s all-around brilliance—make Dallas a perennial contender when healthy. As Irving continues to thrive, his confidence in the trade is understandable.
For now, Irving’s focus remains on helping the Mavericks navigate injuries and regain momentum in the Western Conference. Whether or not Dallas can replicate or surpass last season’s Finals run, Irving’s move to the Mavericks has undeniably rejuvenated his career and positioned the team as a force to be reckoned with.
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