Mavericks Must Reap Rewards for Trade of Irving if Davis Deal Fails

The Mavericks’ front office is at a crossroads, and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes that the team’s decision-making will be heavily influenced by how they handle the situation involving superstar point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving has been under pressure to perform after joining the Mavericks in March, but his on-court production has been inconsistent. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall game has raised questions about whether he is still a top-tier player at 30 years old. Perkins, who won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and was a key contributor on those teams, believes that if the Mavericks are not able to get a strong return in exchange for Irving, it may be time to consider moving him as well. “If you’re not getting that kind of offer for Kyrie, then maybe you need to consider trading him,” Perkins said. This is a difficult situation for the Mavericks, who are already dealing with the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Davis’ long-term future in Dallas. If Irving’s contract becomes a liability and he is unable to get a trade partner to take on some of his salary, it could create a domino effect that puts the entire team’s roster at risk. However, Perkins also believes that if the Mavericks can find a way to make the move work, it could be a huge boost for the team. “Kyrie Irving is still an elite player,” he said. “If you’re willing to take on some of his salary and add him to Davis, I think you’ve got a chance to create something special in Big D.” Ultimately, the decision on what to do with Irving will be up to Mavericks’ management and general manager Bob Namely. However, one thing is clear: if they want to build a contender around their two superstars, they can’t afford to get stuck with a player who is holding them back.