Trade grade: Dallas Mavericks land Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster deal

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a blockbuster on Feb. 5 as they traded for eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. The deal did not come cheap as the Mavs gave up Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks. Dallas was eager to add a second star, and they did it on Sunday afternoon.

Irving is one of the most talented players in the league, but he certainly comes with baggage. Kyrie spent three and a half drama-filled seasons in Brooklyn, and he has had three messy breakups with three different franchises. Still, the talent outweighed it all for the Mavericks as they pulled off the deal.

The Mavs are confident they can convince Irving to play as they contend for a championship. Kyrie has long-standing relationships with general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd, which played a factor in Dallas giving up such a hefty package for Irving.

Trade grade: Dallas Mavericks land Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster deal

Dallas knew they needed a second star to be serious title contenders, and Irving certainly offers them that. He is used to playing next to a superstar and is comfortable scoring 20-plus points per game playing off the ball.

There will be plenty of discussion about the defensive fit after Dallas parted with their best defender, and Irving’s repeated off-the-court drama, but Dallas is undoubtedly more talented and better positioned to win in the playoffs after the trade. Kyrie gives the Mavericks two of the best ball-handlers and playmakers in the league. They will be an elite offense, even if they cannot get stops.

Here is a full breakdown of the trade.

Trade grade: B-minus

This is the ultimate home run swing from the Mavs. Will they hit it out of the park and contend for a title this season or does it end with a strike out? Doncic reportedly signed off on the trade, and Irving is said to be excited to join the Mavericks.

Tim MacMahon reported the two sides will not have extension talks until the offseason, and Dallas will have close to max cap space if they do not agree on a long-term deal. That played a factor in the B-minus grade because the trade itself is a massive dice roll for the Mavericks.

Will the trade backfire? It is too soon to tell. What fans can be sure of is there will be a messy exit and plenty of drama in-between. Will Kyrie help Dallas make another deep postseason run?  Do things blow up before then? Do the Dallas Mavericks commit to signing Kyrie long-term?

There are plenty of questions and things to iron out, but the Mavericks certainly made a massive splash. Stay tuned to see how it all works out, and for all the news and analysis at The Smoking Cuban.