The Kyrie Irving and Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been going strong since the point guard had a failed stint with the Brooklyn Nets, and there could be a way for Lakers fans to finally see him suit up next to LeBron James in purple and gold. The Dallas Mavericks made the NBA Finals last season but what if their campaign in 2024-25 goes south quickly and they need to make an immediate trade?
When looking at the Kawhi Leonard situation with the Clippers whereby he might be left to dry by Paul George, could the Mavericks target Leonard in order to move Kyrie Irving? Interestingly, we propose a blockbuster trade idea whereby Kyrie Irving joins the Lakers, and Kawhi Leonard ends up on the Mavericks while the Clippers rebuild immediately.
Proposed Trade Package
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Kawhi Leonard, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick
Clippers fans might have had enough of Leonard and his never-ending injury history but the Dallas Mavericks might find that Leonard fits better alongside Luka Doncic and Klay Thompson. Let’s see how this trade breaks down for every team involved.
Los Angeles Lakers Create The Long Awaited Big Three
With the acquisition of Kyrie Irving, the Los Angeles Lakers would finally create the superstar trio that has been speculated for years. Pairing Irving alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis instantly vaults the Lakers into legitimate championship contention. In the 2023-24 season, Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game with the Mavericks despite being the second option behind Luka Doncic. His offensive prowess would take pressure off both James and Davis, allowing the Lakers to spread the floor and become a more dynamic team.
The addition of Irving also reunites him with LeBron James, a partnership that already yielded success in Cleveland, where they won the 2016 NBA Championship. While Davis remains the Lakers’ defensive anchor, Irving’s ability to create offense would help maintain their firepower even when James is resting or managing his minutes. With three superstars who are capable of dominating games, the Lakers would have one of the most feared lineups in the league, balancing Irving’s scoring with LeBron’s leadership and Davis’ all-around excellence.
Dallas Mavericks Have A Retooled Championship Roster
By acquiring Kawhi Leonard, the Dallas Mavericks form a devastating duo with Luka Doncic, arguably one of the best playmaking scorers in the NBA. Leonard, even with his injury concerns, remains a two-time Finals MVP and an elite two-way player. In the 2023-24 season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game for the Clippers. His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the floor and his lockdown defense would instantly elevate the Mavericks’ chances of competing deep into the playoffs.
Moreover, adding rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino into the mix gives the Mavericks a promising young talent to develop alongside their star power. Hood-Schifino, drafted by the Lakers in 2023, has shown flashes of being a capable combo guard with excellent size and playmaking ability. With Leonard’s championship experience and Doncic’s superstar ability, Dallas could have the perfect combination of elite perimeter play and interior strength to make a run for the title. Klay Thompson’s potential presence as well would only further solidify Dallas’ perimeter shooting and veteran leadership, forming a roster that looks primed for contention.
Los Angeles Clippers Finally Start A Rebuild
For the Clippers, this trade would mark the end of the Kawhi Leonard era (with Paul George gone) and the start of a much-needed rebuild. Leonard’s injury history and inconsistency over recent seasons have hindered the Clippers’ championship aspirations. By moving Leonard, the Clippers receive several valuable pieces to build for the future, including D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. Russell, who averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists during the 2023-24 season, would bring stability and playmaking to the Clippers’ backcourt. Though he may not be a superstar, Russell is a capable scorer and could mentor younger players as the Clippers transition into a new phase.
Rui Hachimura, who shined in key moments for the Lakers, brings size and versatility to the Clippers’ frontcourt. In 2023-24, Hachimura posted 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, showing he can be a solid two-way player with the potential to grow. Meanwhile, Max Christie represents a youthful prospect for the future, with his shooting and defensive potential. The 2029 first-round pick gives the Clippers long-term draft flexibility, a crucial asset as they build around new talent. This trade would allow the Clippers to finally commit to a full-scale rebuild and accumulate assets for a fresh start.
A Blockbuster Three-Team Trade With One Major Winner
While each team stands to gain something from this blockbuster trade, the Dallas Mavericks could emerge as the biggest winners. Pairing Luka Doncic with Kawhi Leonard gives Dallas a unique combination of youth and experience, offense and defense. Doncic, already an MVP candidate, would finally get a running mate who can take over games on both ends of the floor, something the Mavericks lacked in previous seasons. Kawhi’s ability to step up in clutch playoff moments would alleviate some of the burden from Doncic, making Dallas a formidable contender in the Western Conference. Add in the young talent of Jalen Hood-Schifino, and the Mavericks could be looking at a championship-caliber roster that could compete for years to come.
On the other hand, the Lakers get their long-awaited point guard in Kyrie Irving, but the major winner would depend heavily on how well Irving meshes with LeBron and Davis. The Lakers have the star power but need chemistry to make this trio work effectively. The Clippers, while not winning in the short term, take the biggest step toward rebuilding, setting themselves up with key players and draft assets for the future. However, this trade signals the beginning of a long-term process for the Clippers rather than immediate success, as they will need to develop their younger talent and use their draft capital wisely.
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