On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks announced the acquisition of 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Luka Doncic, forward/center Maxi Kleber, and forward/center Markieff Morris to the Lakers.
As part of the three-team deal, the Utah Jazz acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles and Dallas.
The Mavericks played their second game without Doncic on Tuesday in Philadelphia against the 76ers and fell to Philly 118-116.
Kyrie Irving, who had 34 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, is just like everyone else; he was shocked and saddened by the Doncic trade.
“Just really shocked,” Irving said. “You just don’t imagine that you’re going to get ready to go to sleep, and then you find news like that. “It’s still a grieving process right now; I miss my hermano [my brother]… This is a business, it’s way above my paygrade. I just have to adjust and be ready to welcome in my new teammates with open arms and be ready to go back to Dallas to speak in front of our fans. I know they’re feeling it, I’m feeling it too, and so are guys. It’s just an adjustment period. I don’t want to downplay this either or disrespect our new guys; they’re going to help us win and help us build towards a championship, but just like everyone else at home, kind of see it from afar; it hurts.”
This trade is shocking on many levels and, in some respects, very different. Dallas went to the NBA Finals last season. Their best player is gone, and Irving knows the team will have to adjust.
“I was trying to figure out how I was going to deal with all this,” Irving said. “Put my best foot forward as one of the leaders of the team. This is a weird case in NBA history to be a part of, but at the same time, it’s the nature of our business and it is a ruthless business. Just have to be ready to pick up the pieces and still run towards a championship. That’s the ultimate goal and why I play, and having other guys who are championship winners helps, but at the same time, we have to acknowledge that our little Slovenian president is no longer here, have to adjust.”
Irving and Davis will be leading the way for the Mavs; however, is that better than Doncic and Irving? Probably not, but time will be the judge.
