Mavericks trade deadline grades: Kyrie Irving blockbuster but quiet deadline day

The Dallas Mavericks wanted to improve their roster around Luka Doncic, and they knew the team needed a second star if they wanted to contend for a championship. Dallas saw an opportunity to acquire Kyrie Irving, and they pounced on the blockbuster deal. The eight-time All-Star is one of the most talented players in the NBA, and fans have seen strong early returns in his first three games with the Mavs.

Dallas had to part with Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and three draft picks to acquire Kyrie. They lost their best perimeter defender and their starter in the backcourt next to Luka along with one first-round pick. It was a hefty price to pay, but the Mavericks acquired the best available player at that price point.

Dallas looked for additional moves before the trade deadline, but they could not find anything else. How did the Mavs do during trade season? Here is a look back at the move they made and their quiet deadline day to hand out grades for the team’s action.

Dallas Mavericks acquire Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster trade

The Mavs had two first-round picks that were available to be traded before the deadline, and they only planned on parting with either if it meant acquiring a second star. Kyrie Irving’s trade demand opened the door, and Dallas kicked it down with this deal.

Giving up one first-round pick and two starters for an All-Star starter is a bargain in today’s trade landscape. The Suns gave up four first-round picks and two starters to acquire Kevin Durant.

Yes, Irving has requested to be traded from three different franchises in his NBA career, and things will likely go sour in Dallas at some point, but he is one of the league’s top talents. Kyrie is one of the top ball-handlers, playmakers, and scorers. Dallas wanted a second star, and they have one.

Dallas Mavericks trade grade: B

There is a ton of risk, but the trade makes sense. The Dallas Mavericks got what they wanted, and now it is up to everyone involved to make it work. Kyrie Irving wants a max contract this summer as he hits free agency, and the Mavs are waiting to see how things work out. Will they sign him long-term? Dallas has arguably the best backcourt in the world, so do not count them out of making a deep playoff run and keeping Kyrie for the next four years.

Trading for Kyrie Irving earns a solid B grade. Things will likely end badly, but there could be tremendous play until then. Will it result in wins and deep postseason runs? That answer will ultimately determine the fair grade for this trade, but what about the rest of the trade deadline?

Did Dallas Mavericks make mistake by staying quiet on trade deadline day?

The Mavs had questions following the Kyrie Irving trade. It was clear that their offense would be elite, but can Dallas get enough stops on the defensive end of the floor? They were 24th in defensive rating before trading their best perimeter defender to Brooklyn. The Mavericks also need another wing and a third playmaker.

Rumors were flying that Dallas was not done after the trade, but they were quiet over the final four days. The Mavericks had conversations about trading Tim Hardaway Jr., Christian Wood, JaVale McGee, and others. Fans will never know how close they came to making a move, but it did not happen. Instead, the Mavs watched multiple Western Conference contenders improve their rosters as they stood pat.

Dallas only had one first-round draft pick and one second-round draft pick available to trade after the Irving deal, and they had zero interest in letting Josh Green or Jaden Hardy go. Their limited assets played a key role in the Mavericks not finding a deal, but they took a massive gamble trading for Kyrie Irving. The Mavs should have stayed aggressive and traded for a 3-and-D wing to help round out their roster.

The Dallas Mavericks are left with multiple questions about their roster and free agency is the only avenue to improve it before the postseason. They plan to be aggressive in the buyout market, but that means beating the other contenders. The Mavs have never had much luck in that area.

Dallas Mavericks overall trade deadline grade

General manager Nico Harrison and the front office were aggressive. They wanted a second star next to Luka Doncic, so the Mavericks went out and found one. NBA teams have rarely won the championship without being bold and taking risks. Trading for Kyrie Irving is a massive risk, but the 30-year-old point guard is motivated to play as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Irving has 200 million reasons to suit up and play well down the stretch.

The Mavs needed one more move, though. They had to find another rotation piece to round out their roster. Dallas is embracing small ball with Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. starting next to their superstar backcourt. Still, the Mavericks are one player short of a solid eight-man playoff rotation when healthy.

Dallas Mavericks trade deadline grade: B-minus

The Mavs get a slight downgrade for not making any more moves. The Kyrie Irving trade is something fans will be looking back at for years, and nobody will know the final grade until things play out. How long is Kyrie in Dallas? How does the partnership with Luka Doncic work? Do the Mavericks win a championship? All of those questions will factor into the final mark.

The Mavs will have to pay Irving this summer to keep him in Dallas, and they will have two first-round picks available to trade. Can the Mavericks further add to their roster and become legit title contenders? Stay tuned to find out.