The Kyrie Irving–Luka Doncic duo can still work out, or at least has the chance to for up to three more seasons in Dallas.
The pair were not the sole reason why the Mavericks’ season in 2022-2023 was underwhelming, as the team gave up a haul in a blockbuster trade back in February 2023 with Brooklyn. Going 38-44 and missing out on the playoffs is undoubtedly a disappointment, as they went 52-30 the year prior and made it to the Conference Finals.
But sacrifices had to be made to get a star like Irving, as Dallas gave up Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick for him. The trade also included a 2027 second-round pick and a 2029 second round-pick, as the Mavs shipped that off to the Nets for Markieff Morris.
With another year to play together, the duo Irving and Doncic will get another shot to show what they can do together. The 31-year-old only played 20 games as a Mav and averaged 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists while shooting 51 percent from the field, 39 percent from deep, and 95 percent from the free-throw line.
After rumors that the veteran would want to enter free agency and meet with teams, Dallas quickly finalized a three-year contract worth $126 million, with a player option on the final year.
Another eye-opening thing about Kyrie’s extension is that his stepmom, Shetellia Riley Irving, was hired to be his agent back in 2022, and she is the only black woman representing an active NBA player. She is also the first black woman to negotiate and complete an NBA contract, according to Senior Lead NBA Insider Shams Charania.
The former Cleveland Cavalier, Boston Celtic, and Brooklyn Net only won a championship in 2016 but is an eight-time All-Star that is known for his elite handles, clutch shooting, and dynamic quickness and agility on the court. He will get another shot to be a major contributor to a team that has had a lot of movement so far in 2023, starting with the 2023 NBA Draft.
Their first trade was acquiring the Duke center Dereck Lively II (No. 12) from the OKC Thunder in exchange for the Kentucky guard Cason Wallace (No. 10) and veteran forward Davis Bertans. That wasn’t the only draft day trade, as they traded back into the first round with the Sacramento Kings for Marquette forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper with the 24th overall pick.
Post-draft, Dallas brought in local TCU point guard Mike Miles Jr. on a two-way deal, acquired center Richaun Holmes via trade (during the draft), and signed former guard Seth Curry in free agency so far.
This youth wave is brought on to eventually some of their current veteran starters at forward, like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock. Guard Jaden Hardy, the 2nd round pick from last year, should get more opportunity this year behind Doncic and Irving. With their depth lacking somewhat this past season, it made sense for Dallas to make multiple trades and signings to bolster their roster. The team will be led by Irving and Doncic for the next year or two at the very least.
