NBA Execs Wonder If Luka Dončić Is Pushed Away From Mavs After Kyrie Irving Trade

The Dallas Mavericks finally gave Luka Dončić some help in the form of All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, but some NBA executives think it could lead to Dončić eventually asking for his own trade.

John Hollinger of The Athletic broke down a potential impact of the reported trade between the Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks:

"Even before this trade happened, execs I talked to on my road trip this past week, who were given anonymity so they could speak freely, were openly wondering if adding Irving could create a last-straw type situation that ends up pushing Dončić to seek the exits … much as happened with James Harden in Brooklyn."

James Harden lasted just over a year alongside Irving with the Nets. He joined the team in a trade with the Houston Rockets in January 2021 before forcing his way out in a deal to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022.

Irving has left all three teams he's played for—the Nets, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers—on negative terms despite finding individual success in each location. There could be issues on the court in Dallas with both Dončić and Irving used to running the show offensively, as both rank in the top 10 leaguewide in field-goal attempts per game this season.

On the other hand, the Mavericks consulted Dončić before making the trade, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein. Stein also reported Dallas gave Irving no assurances of a contract extension before agreeing to the trade.

The Mavs likely wouldn't have made the deal if their face of the franchise wasn't on board. If things don't work out, Irving can leave in free agency this summer.

Dončić is signed through the 2026-27 season, and the organization will likely do whatever it takes to keep the four-time All-Star happy.