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The Dallas Mavericks are expected to perform well as the reigning Western Conference champions.
However, they currently sit seventh in the Western Conference with a 23-19 record midway through the 2024-25 NBA season.
The Mavericks have dealt with their fair share of injuries, most notably to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but remain competitive every night under head coach Jason Kidd.
Dallas became a contender the moment it traded for Irving from the Brooklyn Nets.
Trading for Irving was considered risky at the time due to the star guard’s off-court behavior.
Irving’s time with the Nets came to an unceremonious end after he refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine and other off-the-court drama that tainted his image.
Years after the trade went down, Irving offered some honest thoughts on the situation via Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.
“Best trade in the business, baby. We won that trade! I was ‘bad goods,” Irving said.
Kyrie Irving on the Nets-Mavs trade:
“Best trade in the business baby. We won that trade! I was ‘bad goods.’”
(via @noahweber00) pic.twitter.com/Rr86EiT2i6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 18, 2025
Irving displays some self-awareness regarding the deal, as few teams lined up to trade for him following his antics.
At his best, though, Irving is a true needle-mover who can play as an overqualified No. 2 option on a title team and lead it in spurts.
One of the biggest question marks with Irving is his ability to stay on the court.
While he’s dealt with some nagging injuries this past season, he’s worth the upside.
Dallas took a huge gamble by taking on Irving, but so far, it’s worked out.
He has the team in a position to compete for a title this year and potentially beyond.
NEXT: Mavericks Are Making Key Veteran Available In Trade Talks
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