The Dallas Mavericks at the start of the season were heavily favored to make it to the playoffs. With Luka Doncic’s form being nothing short of a prime Michael Jordan, they were heavy favorites for this season’s title run. However, the Mavericks saw one problem, which was getting Doncic the help he requires from players around him. Therefore the Mavericks traded up Kyrie Irving and sent away Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith.
The trade was a win for the Mavericks, however, things haven’t turned in their favor. Since February, after they acquired Irving, they haven’t been able to get their season back on track. They have been falling ever since Irving joined, and Luka feels the stress of carrying an entire team alone. Luka missed quite a few games for the Mavs and it has cost the Mavs for looking for a trade later than sooner.
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Dallas Mavericks have been eliminated from NBA Playoff contention.
The Mavs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2019. pic.twitter.com/r5jI6TDWHt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 8, 2023
Kyrie Irving will be dreading his decision to join the Mavs this season after seeing his former team, the Brooklyn Nets make it to the playoffs. If Luka played like he did at the start of the season, maybe the Mavs could salvage something. The Slovenian ended the night with a disappointing 13-point game.
After last night’s loss against a depleted Chicago Bulls, 115-112, the Mavs are seemingly out of the play-in tournament spot. As things stand the Mavs are 11th in the Western Conference and are seemingly eliminated from playoff contention this season. It is a huge loss for the Mavericks, who have gone from being favored to being eliminated. It is certainly a heartbreak for the Mavericks fanbase, who had high hopes this season.
Will Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic leave Dallas?
With a disappointing end to the season, Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban has serious decisions to make for the franchise’s future. After the end of the season Kyrie, Luka, Dwight Powell, and Chrisitan Wood become unrestricted free agents. After trading away Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith for a trade-up, the Mavs have ended their season in disappointment. With this, the future of Luka and Kyrie hangs in the balance with the Mavs.
It is highly unlikely for Luka to ask for a trade, as he is faithful toward the team and has been vocal about it. He is under contract with the Mavs till 2027, and will probably give it a few more years before making a decision. As for Kyrie, there is a huge possibility that he might leave the Mavs, and if he does, the Mavs will not able to capitalize on that with another player.