After Kyrie Irving's recent request to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets, the Dallas Mavericks agreed to take on the eight-time NBA All-Star in a blockbuster deal on Sunday afternoon.
In the trade, the Mavericks are parting with Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and three draft picks for Irving and Markieff Morris.
Two days after Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Nets, he has been traded to the Mavericks to join forces with Luka Dončić, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 5, 2023
More on a developing story, days ahead of the NBA trade deadline:https://t.co/LRHPj9Ajm2 pic.twitter.com/hI5tq98weT
According to reports, Jason Kidd wanted the move, and Luka Doncic also gave his approval, as it gives him superstar another star to play alongside. While questions of commitment will understandably come about in due time, there's no denying this is the most talented player Doncic has been able to share the court with.
Following the monster pre-deadline trade, the next step will be for everyone involved to pass their physicals. Once those are taken care of, Irving can officially join the club on the court to help in their pursuit of a playoff run.
When can Dallas Mavericks fans expect Kyrie Irving's debut?
The Mavericks have a busy week on the road ahead, visiting the Utah Jazz on Monday before traveling to the west coast to face the Clippers on Wednesday and the Kings on Friday and Saturday.
If the process takes as long as it usually does, then Irving should be eligible to suit up for the Mavericks on Wednesday, February 8th, when they take on the LA Clippers at 10 p.m. ET. Again, it is Kyrie, however -- a player that's missed about as many games as he's appeared in since joining his most recent team, so anything can happen.
Update, 4:56 p.m. ET. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving is indeed expected to make his Mavericks debut on Wednesday.
Kyrie Irving is expected to arrive for a physical on Monday in Dallas and travel to make his Mavericks debut vs. the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday (10 PM ET, ESPN), source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2023
Kyrie's homecourt debut will likely take place on Monday, February 13th at 8:30 p.m. ET as the Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This season just got 10 times more interesting, and I would expect the Mavericks to be in the national spotlight quite often as we head into the All-Star break and beyond.