A Kyrie Irving trade would end badly but is it worth it for the Dallas Mavericks?

Would the Dallas Mavericks make a long-term commitment to Kyrie Irving?

Irving is going to get paid by some team. He will start the All-Star game in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, which will be his eighth career trip. Kyrie is producing elite numbers and appears committed to playing.

Bigger questions remain like would Irving sign a four-year max contract with the Dallas Mavericks, and would the franchise offer that deal? Both are difficult to answer, but the picture is clear.

Kyrie wants a new contract, but ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported he is only eligible for a two-year $78.6 million extension during the season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer where he can sign a four-year max contract. Irving wants the massive payday meaning he is unlikely to sign an in-season extension. The 6'2 guard will hit the open market this summer where he is free to sign with any team.

If the Mavericks trade for him, they will have to sign him long-term. First, Irving will be unhappy and leave in the offseason if they do not make a commitment to him. Second, Dallas would have to give up some assets to acquire Kyrie, which will make them pot commitment to keeping him in Dallas as the star next to Luka Doncic.

That would be the ultimate home run swing. Irving has the talent to be the second star on a championship team, but will he be available to do so? One of the reasons that the Mavs traded Kristaps Porzingis was because he struggled to stay on the court, so why would they jump into the Kyrie business? Things would certainly not end well if Irving joins the Mavericks, but would it be worth it?