Luka Doncic’s future with the Dallas Mavericks depends entirely on how the front office will handle Kyrie Irving in the summer.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes that Doncic might just ask out if Irving leaves in the offseason. “If they let him walk, Luka Doncic will be left wondering if his front office is ever going to deliver the supporting cast he needs. From there, it’s not hard to envision him becoming the next disgruntled star to seek a trade.”
Their mid-season blockbuster acquisition will be a free agent in the summer, and amid rumors of the guard’s uncertainty with the franchise, Hughes opined that the team has pulled off the right move to ensure that the Slovenian stays in their ranks.
The analyst also warned that the franchise would have to be prepared to take the risks the mercurial star brings. “Any team taking Irving on as a free agent has to weigh his talent against a laundry list of concerns,” Hughes noted.
“In addition to extensive (often voluntary) absences, Irving’s career has been defined by unpredictable moodiness, broken promises, suspensions, a general refusal to accept accountability—exemplified by his initial refusal to apologize and denounce antisemitism after promoting an antisemitic film on social media this fall—and an occasionally mind-numbing lack of self-awareness.”
Irving’s future has been one of the biggest talking points even before the trade deadline. He has been constantly linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, and will undoubtedly bolster their side should they rope him in.
How Has Kyrie Irving Fared For The Dallas Mavericks?
The ongoing season has Irving averaging 27.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. For the Mavericks, he’s propping up 28.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
But the results haven’t necessarily gone in Dallas’ favor. In the 19 games he’s been part of, the team has endured 11 losses. He’s even missed six games for the side. While an initial couple of games were smooth, there were adaptability issues with Doncic, but the Mavericks stars did combine to dish out some good performances.
There is no doubt that Irving for Dallas next season will see them fare better from the get-go. The chemistry and the spark would be renewed, and there would be more creative ways for the side to boost their offensive prowess.
For now, the focus will be on whether Irving and Doncic can take the Mavericks deeper in the playoffs and get their hands on the NBA championship.
Source: fadeawayworld
