Mavericks acquire Kyrie Irving in blockbuster trade with Nets

Alex Kennedy
Feb 5 2023

Two days after Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets following stalled extension talks, the Dallas Mavericks have acquired the eight-time All-Star in a blockbuster deal.

The Mavericks are sending Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and multiple second-round picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Irving. Dallas beat out offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns among others.

The Nets tried to find a trade partner quickly rather than dragging this out to the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Irving now teams up with Luka Doncic in Dallas, giving the team a much-needed playmaker who can take some of the offensive burden off of Doncic (similar to the role that Jalen Brunson played prior to leaving for the New York Knicks in free agency). Doncic's 38.52 usage percentage is one of the highest single-season marks in NBA history.

Irving was named an All-Star starter one week ago. The 30-year-old is having an incredible season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game on .486/.374/.883 shooting splits. 

It remains to be seen what this means for Kevin Durant's future in Brooklyn, as he had previously requested a trade from the Nets over the offseason. The fact that the Nets prioritized win-now pieces in Dinwiddie (who previously played for Brooklyn) and Finney-Smith suggests that the team will try to keep Durant and remain in contention.

The Mavericks are 28-26, which is the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. Dallas boasts the NBA's eighth-best offense (scoring 113.3 points per 100 possessions) and 23rd-best defense (allowing 112.6 points per 100 possessions). 

Meanwhile, the Nets are 32-20, which is the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn has the NBA's fifth-best offense (scoring 114.2 points per 100 possessions) and ninth-best defense (allowing 110.2 points per 100 possessions). Durant is currently sidelined due to a MCL sprain in his right knee. Once he returns, it will be interesting to see this new-look Nets team at full strength.