NBA legend predicts doom for Mavericks' Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving duo

Noah Weber

Charlotte Hornets v Dallas Mavericks / Sam Hodde/GettyImages

The Dallas Mavericks made one of the biggest trades in franchise history back in February when they traded for Kyrie Irving.

Luka Doncic needed help, and the Mavs gave him the best player that he has ever played with through this midseason trade, but Dallas got worse after this trade rather than better.

The Mavs' defense was bad before the trade, and it got even worse after. Dallas lost Dorian Finney-Smith in this trade with Brooklyn, and Dallas ended up missing the playoffs for the first time since Doncic's rookie year.

NBA legend predicts doom for Mavericks' Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving duo

This is obviously something that no one expected, as most people thought that Dallas would be championship contenders after the trade, but this trade wasn't for the purpose of forming a superstar duo for half a season and then letting Irving walk in free agency.

Even amidst Dallas slipping in the standings, even Irving understood that the trade was "for the long-term" and the Mavs weren't going to be contenders overnight. Good things take time, and Irving seemed to understand that.

Dallas ended up re-signing Irving to a three-year contract in the offseason, keeping him and Doncic together for the next few years, but one NBA legend seems to doubt the Irving and Doncic partnership.

Charles Barkley appeared on "The Bill Simmons Podcast" on August 25, and it doesn't sound like he believes the Mavs will be contending for a title with Doncic and Irving together at the helm.

"I don't think the Luka-Kyrie thing works together...They don't compliment each other... Now they're married to each other and I just don't see that thing working in Dallas."
Charles Barkley

Barkley suggested that Dallas should have conducted a sign-and-trade to get Irving off the roster while getting Doncic some help in return. Dallas obviously didn't do that and will now try to make a playoff run led by Irving and Doncic.

Irving seems completely locked in on returning to the NBA Finals, while Doncic is always focused on winning. He is one of the most fierce competitors in the NBA, and hopefully, the Mavs can make a playoff push this next season.

Will Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving flame Charles Barkley's take and contend for the NBA Finals next season?

Only time will tell.

Noah Weber

Noah Weber is the Site Expert for The Smoking Cuban, covering the Dallas Mavericks as a credentialed media member since the 2022-23 season. With a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media from Oklahoma State University, Noah has worked in sports journalism since 2019. While he's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma State Cowboys, he has now established himself as a go-to voice for Mavericks coverage. Noah's expertise includes in-depth game analysis, social media content creation, and offering unique perspectives through his reporting. His work has been featured on major platforms such as ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Overtime. During his time at Oklahoma State, Noah won first place in the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association Awards for a show he co-produced. Outside of covering the Mavs, Noah enjoys working out, playing basketball and Spikeball, and spending quality time with friends and family.