One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers trade small forward Paul George to the Dallas Mavericks for point guard Kyrie Irving this summer.
Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed the blockbuster trade. It would be a sign-and-trade deal since Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
“Acquiring Paul George, even with his injury concerns, would be a massive step for the Mavs that shouldn’t rush to re-sign Kyrie just because they have no other options,” Bhattacharya wrote. “The Mavs have said they will not engage in sign-and-trade deals involving Kyrie, but maybe they should look at the league beyond the Lakers. If the Mavs can get someone with PG’s skill set next to Luka, it might be one of the most dangerous two-man games in the league given PG’s skill and finesse with the ball coupled with his ability to be the primary defender on the other end of the floor.”
George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 45.7% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc, and 87.1% from the free-throw line. The eight-time All-Star appeared in only 56 games and didn’t play in the 2023 playoffs due to a knee injury.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Kyrie Irving & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Without George, the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
“The Clippers have needed an offensive guard since they put this team together. Their best examples of the same have been Lou Williams and Reggie Jackson before the arrival of Russell Westbrook this season, which brought good value,” Bhattacharya wrote. “But Russ’ offense is still inconsistent and harder to work into a system with his lack of shooting ability. Kyrie would plug wonderfully into this system. He can be coached by his former championship-winning coach Tyronn Lue, the only coach to have brought the absolute best out of Irving come playoff time. George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season. Kyrie could provide an improvement on those numbers if he’s made the No. 1 option with his scoring skillset.”
Irving averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 20 games with Dallas this season. He was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Mavericks after requesting a trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Kyrie Irving & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If the NBA operates with a $134 million salary cap, Uncle Drew would be eligible to re-sign with the Mavericks on a five-year, $272 million contract.
Despite having Irving and Luka Doncic, Dallas didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament this year.
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