Grade the Trade: Dallas Mavericks send Kyrie Irving to Lakers in laughable proposal

Would the Dallas Mavericks make this trade?

This trade makes zero sense for the Mavs. The return is too light, they get back significantly less than they paid for Irving in February, and this does zero to help Dallas achieve their goals. There is no reason for the Mavericks to make this trade.

The Mavs gave up two quality starters and three total draft picks to get Irving just five months before this deal would happen. Fans could argue that D’Angelo Russell is a better point guard than Spencer Dinwiddie, but Dorian Finney-Smith is a superior forward to Rui Hachimura. Dallas gets the first-round pick back, but the Mavs also gave up two second-rounders to land Irving.

Throw that aside, this trade does not help Dallas get closer to contention. Hachimura got hot in the playoffs, but he has been an inconsistent shooter throughout his first four years in the NBA. He could be part of their rotation, but likely only for 25 minutes per game. Can the Mavericks count on Russell in the playoffs? He was hit or miss this year and hunted plenty of the defensive end. What can Dallas do with the first-round pick? They are not trading for someone as talented as Irving.

If this is all the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to offer, Kyrie Irving better be willing to accept $30 million per season if he wants to join LeBron James.

Grade: F

Will the Dallas Mavericks re-sign Kyrie Irving in free agency? Do the Lakers find a way to acquire the eight-time All-Star? Does another suitor emerge before free agency opens? Stay tuned to find out.