After years of trade speculation, Irving has been dealt to the Dallas Mavericks two days after his trade request. In return, the Nets will receive Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and two second-rounders. The deal marks the end of an era for Brooklyn and potentially a new one for Dallas if Irving is there to stay. Let’s look at the winners and losers of this shocking trade.
Winner: Dallas Mavericks
Admittedly, Dallas gave up more than expected in this deal, trading two of their best players along with three draft picks. Yet, the Mavs landed an all-star starter and one of the NBA’s best players without giving up any young talent or multiple first-round picks.
With a limited asset pool, it would be impossible for Dallas to land a star without there being a caveat to it, which is the case in this deal. Irving is in the last year of his contract, and there has been no indication that he plans on returning to the Mavs. Still, with Luka Doncic performing at a historic level, it was clear a high-upside move was needed, and it doesn’t get more high-upside than this.
Doncic and Irving will become the highest-scoring duo in the league and arguably the best backcourt in the NBA. The Mavs’ defense will probably still struggle as is, but It doesn’t look like Dallas is done making moves, according to Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News. With another upgrade or two, the Mavericks’ front office can give the team a chance at a title, and that’s all you can ask from them.