Rating the Kyrie Irving trade to the Mavericks

- By Makenzie Freeman

Just 3 days before the NBA trade deadline the Dallas Mavericks have come to an agreement on a deal to sign Kyrie Irving from the Nets. The Mavericks have agreed to sign Kyrie Irving as well as forward Markieff Morris from the Nets in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two future second-round picks.

The Mavericks can draft up a deal with Irving at the end of the season, or he could walk as an Unrestricted Free agent. With that being said it’s time to take a look at the trade, rate it, and determine what it means for the future of the Mavericks.

Grade: B

Overall, this trade is a B overall for multiple reasons. While Kyrie Irving is an 8-time all-star, he also in recent history has proven himself as a liability for the team. He has missed 27% of all of his career games, and he has never had a season without missing 10 or more games. This can prove to be detrimental for the Mavericks as they are looking for Kyrie to be the all-star he was when he was at Cleveland.

On the flip side of things, Kyrie Irving could be just what the Mavericks need to get Luka Doncic a ring. Irving is currently averaging 27 points per game, and with another all-star alongside Luka, we could see the Mavericks make a deep run in the playoffs. It was about time for the Mavericks to make a big-time decision.

The Mavericks' trade so far is looking good as Kyrie Irving has helped the Mavericks get the win over the Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings. Those two games both were played without Luka Doncic, and the Mavericks were coming off an 0-7 streak without Luka in games. These games coming out of trade were great games, as Kyrie got to experience the team and become accustomed to their style of play.

In his first game with the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving scored a total of 24 points. He was the leading scorer, but most importantly he brought eyes to the court. He was a great team player, something that will be useful once Luka gets back on the Court. He finished the game with 5 assists and looked like the Kyrie Irving we hoped to bring in.

His debut was great, but in the game against the Kings not only did the team look great, but Kyrie looked great as well. He scored a total of 25 points, with 10 assists, and led the team to a 74-point first half one of the best we’ve seen this season. Hardaway, Bullock, Kyrie Irving, and Green have a great thing going with each other, and it will be interesting to see Luka in the mix.

It’s too early to call this an A trade, and we will have to see what Kyrie does for the rest of the season. The Mavericks did lose Dinwiddie, and Finney-Smith who are 2 players that had high usage with the Mavericks, and that has to be taken under consideration as well. Irving has adapted well to the style of play of the Mavericks, and if he keeps this up and doesn’t become a liability it looks promising. The Mavericks possible starting 5 could include Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Reggie Bullock, Dwight Powell, and Tim Hardaway Junior.