In return for Irving, the Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and future draft compensation.
Dallas Mavericks- A- Incoming Assets- Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris
Three words sum up this trade for the Mavericks pretty well. Luka. Has. Help.
Currently, the Mavericks are the 5th seed in the West, with a record of 29-26. They've retained this position, arguably thanks to the effort of MVP candidate Luka Doncic this season alone.
Although guard Spencer Dinwiddie has had a great year in Dallas this season, providing 17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists through 53 games, Kyrie Irving is a clear upgrade.
Adding Irving to this team could move the Mavericks from a fringe playoff team to an arguable championship contender. However, this depends on how well Irving gels with the team and how the Mavericks approach their lineup.
So far this season, Doncic has primarily played point guard Irving's same position. However, Doncic will likely stay as the lead point guard since the offense has run through him all season, which means Irving slots in at the shooting guard spot.
Irving currently ranks 18th in usage rating in the NBA, and Doncic ranks 2nd in the category. Meaning the ball is in these players' hands a lot.
Irving will have to learn to co-exist with Luka on the team, as he will be playing off the ball in comparison to on the ball in Brooklyn. Nonetheless, considering he played with Kevin Durant with ease this season, it shouldn't be too complicated for Irving to figure out.
This leads to the next point, Irving's time in Brooklyn has been complicated. Irving missed a total of 134 games playing for the Nets, as opposed to his 143 total games played.
Despite Irving's issues staying on the floor, this trade is only trending better for the Mavericks as Irving is rumored to resign to the team on a 3-year contract. Expect Irving to appear for the Mavericks as soon as Wednesday in their match against the Clippers in Los Angeles.
The Mavericks receive an A- for this trade. They gave up very little in the grand scheme of things to finally bring Doncic some serious help. If Irving can keep himself on the court and accept his new role on the Mavericks, this is a trade that could turn the Mavericks into champions.
Brooklyn Nets- C+ Incoming Assets- Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2029 first-round pick, two second-round picks
This is not the Spencer Dinwiddie reunion most Nets fans saw coming.
With Kyrie Irving shipped off for a somewhat mediocre trade package, this leaves the Brooklyn Nets in a weird spot.
The Nets started the season disappointing, but they managed to pull it back together. At one point during this season, they were the 2nd seed in the East. After making this trade, however, it's hard to picture the Nets as playoff contenders if they even make a run at the playoffs.
Currently, the Nets sit as the 5th seed in the East with a record of 32-21. This fall in placement can be pinpointed to the injury of forward Kevin Durant, the team's best player.
However, downgrading from Kyrie Irving to Dinwiddie will not keep the Nets a sustainable playoff contender. Irving is averaging 9.4 points and two rebounds more than Dinwiddie while also shooting more efficiently from the field.
Additionally, after the Irving trade, questions have begun to start about Durant’s availability in trade, which leaves the team with multiple question marks moving forward.
The Nets can try to compete with this roster next year, yet it's unlikely they will make much noise if they make the playoffs.
If the Nets decide to trade away Durant, it will signal the start of a full-on rebuild, and the Nets would likely tank for the rest of the season.
On top of that, other notable players on the team, such as Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O’Neale and Joe Harris, could get moved as well over the off-season in this case.
However, in Irving's absence on the team, shooting guard Cam Thomas has stepped up, dropping 44 and 47 points in the two games since Irving was sidelined after demanding a trade.
Thomas is still only 21, proving to be a cornerstone of the team, regardless of the direction it's heading in.
Overall, the trade leaves the Nets in limbo. Having Durant on the team doesn't help it, either. Hopefully, by the off-season, the Nets will have a sense of direction with this team moving forward.
The Nets receive a C+ for this trade. It's hard trading away top players, especially when you can only demand little value back. Nevertheless, considering Irving could sign with another team in the off-season, something is better than nothing.
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