The NBA has a rich history of dynamic duos. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Shaquille O’Neale and Kobe Bryant. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
In 2023-24, the Dallas Mavericks are hoping that Irving can make history as part of a duo again. They’ve got him paired with Luka Doncic. They’ll make one of the most talented offensive duos in the NBA. With Doncic’s playmaking and Irving’s shot creation, Dallas should have an elite offense.
They should. In all fairness, this duo didn’t showcase much in the time they had together last season. Perhaps that was a matter of developing chemistry. If all goes well, Doncic and Irving will start the season off by asserting their dominance. If they don’t, could the Mavericks reunite Irving with James near the deadline?
The Trade Proposal
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
Usually, when a star duo works in the NBA, it’s because they develop synergy. They’ve got complementary skill sets, and they know how to use them together. Do Doncic and Irving meet that criteria?
In theory, sure. Doncic is an elite playmaker, and Irving is an elite scorer. That combination of skills has served plenty of duos well. On the other hand, there could be problems here as well. Doncic typically plays an extremely ball-dominant brand of basketball – that could alienate Irving. Moreover, neither man is an especially strong defender.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It’s entirely possible that none of that will matter. Doncic could adjust his style – an increased willingness to share the ball could do wonders for this duo. Meanwhile, if the rest of this roster can carry the defense, the combined offense of the Mavericks’ duo ought to outweigh any considerations on the other end. On the other hand, if it isn’t working, could Dallas make this pivot?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Dallas wouldn’t make this deal tomorrow. Frankly, they’d laugh and quickly hang up the phone if the Lakers made this offer. With that said, by the trade deadline, they could have a much different perspective.
Luckily, they couldn’t make this deal tomorrow even if, for some reason, they wanted to. The Lakers extended Russell this summer – they can’t trade him now. The Mavericks should only entertain moving Irving if he’s not developing proper chemistry with Doncic. in that event, is this the right way to move Irving?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We think so. The Mavericks would be bolstering their depth here. Russell would replace some of Irving’s playmaking – if nothing else, he’d give Dallas a viable second option. Hachimura and Vanderbilt could be valuable rotation pieces as well. Throw in an unprotected first-rounder in the same draft that Dallas gave up a pick to land Irving, and this could work for Dallas. Should it work for the Lakers?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Lakers may do this deal tomorrow if it was on the table. They’re landing the best player in this trade – and it isn’t even particularly close. Irving is one of the best ball-handlers in NBA history, and one of the all-time craftiest finishers as well.
Yes, his personality can be problematic. Irving has alienated plenty of teammates in the past. With that said, he never seemed to alienate James. That’s key for the Lakers here. They know Irving and James can thrive together – they’ve already won an NBA championship together.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, they never had a defensive anchor like Anthony Davis when they were together. If the Lakers made this move, they’d have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. In other words, if Irving becomes available, the Lakers should get one of the league’s all-time great duos back together.
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