Kyrie Irving was supposed to be the player that finally fills the role of ‘Luka Doncic co-star’ on the Dallas Mavericks after the team traded for him before the trade deadline. However, Irving’s impending free agency brings legitimate concern to the fanbase and front office about where Irving will want to be next season.
Kyrie has said all he wants is stability and a long-term contract, something the Mavericks can offer him. However, with the Lakers and Suns allegedly looking to get Kyrie in the summer, the Mavs may have some challenges to work through.
Prior to Irving’s first home game in Dallas, the team held a press conference where GM Nico Harrison openly exclaimed that the Mavericks don’t see any risk in the Kyrie acquisition.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison on the Kyrie Irving trade: “I don’t see any risk at all. I actually see risk in not doing it.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 13, 2023
Harrison isn’t wrong. Kyrie was likely headed to a Western Conference rival and would bolster their squad significantly while the Mavs would’ve been stuck with their already underperforming core. Luka Doncic has a bona fide co-star in Irving and they could be the best backcourt in the NBA.
Is There No Risk Or Are The Mavericks Just Covering Their Bases?
The Mavericks can’t openly talk about Kyrie leaving for other teams. Irving spoke out and asked media members to stop asking him about his commitment and loyalty to Dallas. If the Mavericks have a good season, they will likely offer Kyrie the contract extension he has wanted for the last few seasons.
Even if it’s a poor fit, teams like the Lakers and Suns don’t have enough cap space and would have to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Irving. At least this will ensure the Mavericks get some players or assets back from these teams if Irving wants to leave. It’ll be an interesting few months in Dallas, as their on-court performance is likely going to decide the future of this franchise.
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