Why Dallas Mavericks must avoid Trae Young trade at all costs

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. They reached the conference finals in 2022 and hoped to build on that surprise run, but a dreadful close to the regular season forced them to miss the postseason entirely. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the world, and the Mavs must get him more help if they wanted to keep him happy moving forward.

The Mavs are not the only team facing a crucial offseason. Atlanta made a front office and coaching change during the season, and they want to push toward contention. The Hawks reached the conference finals in 2021, but they are on the verge of a second straight first-round playoff exit with an expensive roster. Everything is on the table for Atlanta, including trading superstar Trae Young this summer.

Could the Mavs target the two-time All-Star? Dallas needs to improve, but Ice Trae is not the answer for the Mavericks. Here is a look at why the franchise must avoid the 6’1 point guard at all costs.

Acquiring Trae Young means Dallas Mavericks are losing Kyrie Irving

The Mavs cannot have a “Big 3” of Luka Doncic, Irving, and Young. It would give them the smallest backcourt in the league, and three point guards that all struggle on the defensive end of the floor. Dallas would have to win a shootout every night, and those three would be a recipe for a cannot miss offense but a disastrous defense.

If the Mavericks are trying to acquire Young this summer, Kyrie will be playing elsewhere next season. The 31-year-old is a soon-to-be free agent, and Dallas cannot afford to let him walk. The Mavs gave up two starters and three draft picks to acquire him just two months ago, and Luka wants to play with another star. They need to find a way to keep Kyrie in free agency.

Losing Kyrie Irving would be disastrous for the Dallas Mavericks, but trying to acquire Trae Young to replace him would be significantly worse.