Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks swung big by agreeing to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Mavs agreed to send Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and multiple picks to Brooklyn for Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris.
This move seems to be divisive among the Mavericks fanbase. A large portion of fans are intrigued by Kyrie’s offensive prowess that he can bring to this team. There are others however, who have concerns about some of the off-court antics. One thing is for certain, the Mavericks are better for having made this trade. Let's take a look at why.
First, is the upgrade to the roster he brings. Dinwiddie proved to be a vital player to Dallas when their superstar, Luka Doncic, would have to miss games, or need a breather. He would control the offense, and continue to fill the role that the Mavericks laid out for him. However, Kyrie Irving is widely known as one of, if not the best, ball-handlers in the league. He is in his prime, and should continue to perform at a high level to try and earn a maximum contract extension.
To win at a high level, a team really needs to possess two top stars in order to stand the best chance to win a championship. Look at the last few teams to win it all. The Los Angeles Lakers had Lebron and Anthony Davis. The Milwaukee Bucks had Giannis, Middleton and Jrue Holiday. All of those players are considered some of the best at their position currently. With Irving and Luka, the Mavericks now possess two players both reaching their prime, or in it already. This will give them a boost for sure in their hopes for a title.
Second, let's say that Kyrie in the offseason decides to move on. If Dallas cannot convince him to stay, then that will give them the salary cap space to pursue a max level free agent. They can get the best that Kyrie can offer this season, and then begin their search for another top-tier player to pair with Doncic.
With any deal, there are pros and cons, but this deal seems to have a very high potential to work out favorably for Dallas, regardless of what Irving decides to do at the culmination of this season. Time will tell what impact that may be.