This contender has emerged as dark horse trade candidate for Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving‘s decision to ask for a trade just ahead of the deadline has thrown the trade market into chaos. While surprising, it’s not exactly shocking for Irving, who’s had a tumultuous season that’s taken away from his terrific on-court production. It appears that Irving’s sudden request stems from the Nets’ failure to offer a suitable contract extension, with him set to become a free agent this summer.

Now that Irving wants out, the Nets are actually fortunate to be in a position to get anything of value for him, which would be a win. The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Irving since last summer, and they are still looking to upgrade their roster, but there is another Western Conference team that should have interest in taking a flyer on Irving: the Dallas Mavericks.

They have a superstar in Luka Doncic, who’s dragging a mediocre collection of players to a 28-25 record and is in desperate need of help. Irving would definitely fit the bill and give Doncic the offensive help that he absolutely needs.

Irving could be just what the Mavericks need.

Off-court baggage aside, Irving would allow Doncic to play more off-ball, something that he’s done little of this season. Doncic has a 37.6% usage rate, which is tied for the second-highest in the NBA, illustrating that he has the ball in his hands an incredible amount. That’s not necessarily all bad since he is second in the NBA in both scoring and triple-doubles.

On the other hand, it means that he’s expending far more energy than most star forwards since many also spot up. That allows them to essentially rest on the court by taking a few possessions off while still drawing offensive attention.

Irving is a talented and efficient scorer as well as a capable playmaker, as evidenced by his averaging an impressive 27.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. If acquired, he would be a strong second option to Doncic, and the Mavericks have the necessary tradeable salary and assets needed to get a deal done. In regards to a trade, the Mavericks could send the Nets Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, and Dwight Powell, as well as a 2025 first-round pick (top 10 protected), for Irving and trade filler.

It’s not exactly a king’s ransom, but Hardaway Jr. is a good rotation player, and Powell has an expiring contract, while Bullock only has $5.4 million guaranteed for next season.

With other teams reportedly not interested in trading much for Irving, given his desire for a contract extension upon being traded, it’s likely to be a very competitive offer. That is unless the Lakers or another team swoops in to land Irving.

Another potential trade could see the Mavs upgrading at point guard by shipping out former Net Spencer Dinwiddie as well as Hardaway Jr. and their 2025 first.

According to Marc Stein, the Nets may have an interest in reuniting with their former player, and he’d give them a stop-gap point guard option.

All in all, the Mavericks are in desperate need of offensive help, and Irving could be the solution. However, despite that, it remains to be seen if Dallas will take a chance on him given his penchant for controversy.