After a forgettable 2022-23 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks head into the offseason with a lot of doubts about the future of the franchise and what can be done to continue surrounding superstar Luka Doncic with the talent needed to win a title.
Before the NBA trade deadline in February, the Mavericks brought in Kyrie Irving as a result of a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
Although Irving and Doncic are a scary sight for any opposing defense, the new dynamic duo in Dallas didn’t exactly work out as planned, and now the team is stuck watching the NBA playoffs from home.
Another wrinkle to the Irving trade to Dallas is that the one-time NBA champion will become a free agent this summer, with no telling whether he wants to stay with the Mavericks or see what interest is out there from other teams.
Former NBA player Matt Barnes believes the perennial All-Star won’t be back with the Mavericks next season.
All eyes will be on Kyrie this off-season. 👀
Where do you think he will end up?
Watch the playoff edition of #WhatsBurnin with @Rachel__Nichols, @Matt_Barnes22, & @DaTrillStak5 on the Showtime Basketball YouTube ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/QkcNrKAhLL
— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) April 14, 2023
The Los Angeles Lakers have been Irving’s desired destination for quite some time, as the superstar guard is seemingly ready to play alongside LeBron James once again and compete for a championship.
However, there have been conflicting reports about Irving wanting to Los Angeles and if the Lakers even want him anymore after they acquired D’Angelo Russell in the massive Russell Westbrook trade before February’s deadline.
Russell has worked out well in his second stint with Los Angeles, and despite being set to hit free agency this summer, he wants to stay with the team that originally drafted him with the feeling being mutual.
Of course, this leaves Irving’s future uncertain, as staying put might be the best course of action.
NEXT:
Mark Cuban Reacts To Being Fined By The NBA For Tanking
