Kyrie Irving Declines to Discuss His Future Plans Following His Trade to the Mavericks
In addition to being uninterested in discussing his potential long-term future with the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving is perplexed as to why people doubt his ability to play effectively off the ball.
“All I know, this is really playing basketball with a lot of high-level, high-IQ players and making it work,” Before his first home game against the Mavericks and All-Star teammate Luka Doncic on Monday, Irving said. “I have the opportunity to show myself repeatedly that I can play with anyone and everyone while remaining effective and authentic every time I set foot outside.”
The blockbuster deal to bring Irving from the Brooklyn Nets became official a week before Irving made his debut at home in Dallas. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-121, and they managed to hang on despite the fact that Kyrie Irving scored 26 of his team-high 36 points in the final frame.
Irving played with Doncic for the first time on Saturday night; they combined for 28 points in an overtime loss at Sacramento. Irving’s first three games with the Mavericks were on the road. Doncic scored 33 points against Minnesota.
The talented and enigmatic eight-time All-Star said that question is constantly being asked and only causes him and the team unneeded distractions as to what will happen after this season.
“I’ve dealt with it before and it’s very emotionally draining to ask questions about what’s the long term,” Irving said. “The only thing that will really determine what the future holds is what I do today and how I get ready for the next steps, which is to be the best teammate I can be in the locker room and a great leader here, I believe within the Dallas community. … Therefore, we’re just putting that to rest and concentrating on the tasks that our team has in front of us.”
The Mavericks, with 23 games remaining, are part of a crowded mix for a playoff spot. Only two and a half games separate them from 11th place, the first spot eliminated from the playoffs, where they are tied for fifth in the Western Conference.
The former Nike executive, who already had a relationship with the player, Nico Harrison, responded that it wasn’t the case when asked about people who saw the acquisition of Irving and his upcoming contract as a risk.
“I don’t see any risk involved at all. Since I’ve known Kyrie for a very long time, I am familiar with his character at his core. I think anybody who’s ever watched him play basketball knows the type of basketball player he is,” Harrison said. “So I don’t see risk. I actually see a risk in not doing it.”
Irving smiled and responded, “touché,” then adding that he appreciated their relationship and that it was now up to him to prove it “and control what I can control.”
In the exchange that gave the Nets Markieff Morris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick in 2029, and two second-round picks, Dallas also received Markieff Morris.
Irving had a relationship with Nike for the entirety of his NBA career until earlier this season, when the sneaker giant dropped him — and canceled the planned release of his next signature shoe just before it came out — after Irving tweeted a link to an antisemitic film.
“I wish that I could win everyone’s approval. … Oh, that can’t be it. That’s just not for I think anyone in this room,” Irving said. “But the genuine love that you have in your heart is the only thing that you can really control. I am open to discussion with anyone who wants to spend time with me, talk with me, or ask me questions.”
He said he wished those who disliked him well.
“But I have a life to live and I have kids to raise,” he said. “So I don’t really have the energy to sit and focus on things I can’t control.”
