The Mavericks are heading back into action after the All-Star break, but things look completely different in Dallas. And yeah, Kyrie Irving stayed put at the deadline, but the team around him? Total shake-up. In a trade that sent shockwaves through the league, Dallas shipped Luka Doncic to the Lakers and brought in Anthony Davis. Now, for the first time since that blockbuster deal, they’ve had a moment to catch their breath.
Kyrie sat down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews and kept it real—he’s still figuring things out with this new Mavericks squad. No surprise there. With all the changes, adjusting isn’t exactly an overnight thing.
Irving kept it simple: “I’m good, I’m good.” He acknowledged the challenges of the situation but emphasized embracing the process.“I’m taking it one day at a time but it also, you know, just kind of enjoying the process of the changing environment,” Irving said. “As hard as that, when the sounds coming out, it’s just like you still got to find a way to find joy and make sure everybody is good. And we’re all human. So we’re all going to feel for each other.”
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The shift, as the reporter pointed out, is significant.
Irving agreed, acknowledging the adjustment ahead. “It’s a little bit of a different change, but we’re going to have to adjust and adapt and have fun doing so,” he said. “Basketball can’t be a place where you know we’re trying to dump our emotions on all the time. Our predecessors, people have come before us, dealt with so many other things as well. So for me, that’s what gave me peace of mind is knowing that it’s history in the league didn’t just change for us. It changed for the dynamics of many different teams, and now it’s for us, it’s on us. It’s our responsibility to be professionals. We kept it between us, we had to.”
The 8x All-Star’s time with Luka was short-lived—he landed in Dallas midway through the 2022-23 season. Still, don’t let the limited time fool you. Those two made some serious noise while they were together. But with the Mavericks stepping into a new era, Irving’s focus remains on finding balance, leading his teammates, and embracing the challenge ahead.
Fans are furious over losing their generational superstar—so much so that GM Harrison has even faced death threats. But don’t rush to blame him. Veteran journalist David Aldridge points the finger at the Mavericks’ owners, specifically the Adelson and Dumont families. On The Rich Eisen Show, he said, “The owner decides if they’re gonna do it or not… I wanna see more people holding ownership accountable because owners decide to trade a guy like Luka Doncic, not Nico Harrison.”
In other words, Harrison only recommended the trade while the owners made the final call. Trust me, if you’re mad, it’s time to shift your anger to the real decision-makers. Plus with Doncic gone now, even Irving has leverage for his next contract.
Kyrie Irving holds the all the cards this time
Trading the 5x All-Star bonded the Mavericks to Kyrie Irving during a critical period. With free agency looming this summer, Irving holds unmatched leverage, according to NBA insiders. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, “Irving holds the most leverage” heading into the offseason—clearly showing his influence.
In 2023, Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $120 million contract, which includes a $43.96 million player option for the 2025-26 season. At that time, the Mavericks were emerging from a tanking strategy designed to secure a key draft pick, and rumors hinted that the Slovenian might push for a trade if the team struggled again. Then, after reaching the NBA Finals, Dallas appeared to be on track.
However, everything shifted when Luka was traded to the Lakers. GM Nico Harrison defended the move, stating it positions the team “to win now and also win in the future.” Yet without a high-caliber ball-handler like Irving, championship ambitions remain uncertain—Spencer Dinwiddie simply cannot fill that role.
Feb 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Irving is currently averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 47.8 percent shooting. If he opts out of his current deal, he might secure a max contract worth up to $313 million over five years. More likely is a three-year, $176 million extension similar to Anthony Davis’s deal. It’s a wild ride, and we’re all watching closely. Stay tuned, everyone—more coming.
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