When Kyrie Irving announced his desire to leave the Brooklyn Nets, the NBA prepared for a league-shifting trade to contenders needing perimeter help.
Several names were thrown around as possible destinations for the controversial superstar. However, few expected the Dallas Mavericks to swoop in with a trade package that would raise plenty of eyebrows.
The Mavericks will send Spencer Dinwiddie back to the borough alongside Dorian Finney-Smith, the 2027 second-round pick, and both picks of the 2029 Draft.
The OKBET basketball team knew Irving would be out of New York before the trade deadline. However, the fact that an NBA champion and eight-time All-Star who averages 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 49% shooting went for so little is surprising.
If you look at the returns the Utah Jazz got for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, you can tell that the Nets got fleeced. They could have asked for more draft picks or a better player.
However, Brooklyn’s perspective clarifies why they allowed Dallas to have plenty of leverage. Irving’s contract expires after this season, and not trading him to another team will let him walk away for free.
Moreover, he’s a controversial figure on and off the hardwood. Kyrie Irving has caused a divide among the NBA crowd, from his unpredictable mood to his baffling public opinions. It’s a risk for any team to pick him up and affect team chemistry.
The Mavericks seem more than willing to take the risk, though. They don’t have a solid second option behind Luka Doncic, and having another focal point will help the Mavs secure their playoff spot.
LeBron James, NBA Reacts to Kyrie Irving Trade
The trade blindsided the entire league, and various players had something to say about the blockbuster move.
The Los Angeles Lakers were considered heavy favorites to land Irving, so Laker Nation was disappointed they didn’t get their man. LeBron James made a nod to the situation that will make some of his fans think:
Maybe It’s Me
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 6, 2023
Spencer Dinwiddie had a hilarious take on the trade that will send him back to the team where he broke out:
When @ShamsCharania says it’s time to go you pack your bags.
Plus Elijah said he wanted to go back home 😅🙏🏾 https://t.co/Enuqat6v0N
— Spencer Dinwiddie (@SDinwiddie_25) February 5, 2023
Kevin Garnett, who was also the center of a lopsided trade to the Nets, loved how the trade deadline continues to provide exciting storylines:
Trade deadline is where the mf fireworks go off… love the @nba
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) February 5, 2023
Finally, Jamal Crawford vocalized what many think of the NBA right now:
The NBA is the greatest show on earth!
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) February 5, 2023
While the rest of the league is amazed by the trade, it remains to be seen if this will work out for the Mavs. They knew Irving has the potential to ruin team chemistry. Still, putting him alongside Luka Doncic will hopeful overpower any problems he’ll bring to the American Airlines Center.
Read more: The Thunder Don’t Need Victor Wembanyama
Contact Us