Was Kyrie Irving always destined to end with the The Dallas Mavericks? During a recent appearance On the Knicks Film School podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said that if Jalen Brunson had re-signed with the Mavs after the 2021-22 season, he may have been involved in an exchange with the Brooklyn Nets for Irving, via Knicks Film School on X, formerly Twitter.
“If Brunson signs that extension with Dallas, I think there’s a good chance he’s with the Brooklyn Nets right now,” MacMahon said. “Because listen, Mark Cuban has always been looking for stars … Kyrie was going to become available the following season, like he did. At the time, the Mavericks did it because they needed a star to replace Brunson, but I think they would have viewed it as an upgrade.”
Of course, Brunson eventually signed with the Knicks as a free agent this offseason. He’s had success in New York, even recently to be named captain of the Knicks.
Irving, meanwhile, was traded to Dallas during the 2022-23 season. The Mavs underperformed and missed the playoffs entirely during the first half of Irving’s season with the team. However, they turned a corner in 2023-24 and reached the NBA Finals. Irving seems to enjoy playing for the Mavs and his future is bright in Dallas.
Mavericks-Nets trade scenario?
However, in this potential Brunson-Irving trade scenario, how would the trade have been different than the one that actually happened?
“In that case, they’ll probably keep Dorian Finney-Smith,” MacMahon continued. “Maybe they won’t have to give up a first-round pick… But I think there’s a good chance Jalen Brunson would have been traded to Brooklyn if Kyrie Irving had ended up in Dallas. It’s one of those things we’ll never know.”
Brunson is playing well again for the Knicks. He’s even become a candidate for the team’s MVP award. This is a good situation for him.
If he had ended up in Brooklyn, there’s no guarantee what might have happened. The Nets are struggling and have been forced to rebuild after selling stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Brunson might still have played well in Brooklyn, but the Nets’ underperformance would have been less than ideal for him.
MacMahon says Brunson ending up with the Knicks is a “much better situation” for the former Mavs guard.
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“But, you know, Brunson obviously found himself in a much better place for himself, basketball-wise, life-wise, all kinds of different perspectives.”
Kyrie Irving to Dallas
Irving silenced his critics with his strong 2023-24 campaign. He dealt with some injury issues, but overall, it was a successful season.
The Mavericks failed in the NBA Finals. Irving also failed to live up to the expectations placed on him. Nevertheless, Irving played a vital role in Dallas’ success in the regular season and playoffs. He developed impressive chemistry with Luka Doncic and Dallas looks to be a title contender for years to come, with both stars leading the way.
