Dallas Acquired Kyrie Irving in Exchange for Two Wings and Picks
On February 6, 2023, Brooklyn traded star guard Kyrie Irving and veteran forward Markieff Morris to Dallas for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a future 2027 second-round choice and an unprotected 2029 first-rounder. Irving had spent several productive but turbulent seasons with Brooklyn, where availability and team relationships repeatedly complicated a roster built around Kevin Durant. Dallas wanted another elite shot creator beside Luka Dončić after reaching the 2022 Western Conference Finals. The Nets chose two established NBA rotation players and future draft capital rather than trying to keep a dissatisfied star. The unprotected first is materially different from a conditional second and could be valuable years after the immediate personnel changes. The deal was not Kyrie for Dinwiddie alone.
Irving Became Doncic’s Co-Star and Reached the Finals
Irving brought elite ball handling, difficult-shot creation and a second late-game scoring option to Dallas. The first few months were not enough to make the Mavericks playoffs in 2023, but a full offseason and roster adjustments improved their coordination. In 2023-24 Irving averaged 25.6 points, and the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals before losing to Boston. His postseason shot making and offensive partnership with Dončić gave Dallas a direct return that justified acquiring a veteran star despite the initial questions about fit. Irving signed a new contract to stay with the franchise rather than departing after the initial 2023 rental. The inherited A Mavericks grade reflects the prolonged offensive value and Finals run, not merely his pretrade Brooklyn achievements. Morris served a supporting role and should not be assigned equal credit for the team’s scoring.
Brooklyn Obtained Dependable Defense and Future Draft Potential
Dinwiddie returned to the Nets as a veteran guard familiar with the organization, while Finney-Smith became a key defensive forward capable of guarding several positions. Brooklyn also held the 2029 unprotected first and a 2027 second, offering future options after its star-driven era came apart. Those were tangible assets, but they did not create another instant Nets title contender. The inherited D grade sharply discounts the immediate on-court replacement for Irving’s elite scoring. Yet the unprotected pick’s eventual outcome is uncertain until the draft, so it would be premature to call the entire Nets return valueless. The Mavericks obtained stronger immediate star production while Brooklyn emphasized longer-term capital and roster stability. These different timelines explain the grade gap without attributing Irving’s Dallas points to Brooklyn.
Final Verdict
Mavericks Win. Dallas earns A after acquiring Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris, with Irving providing 25.6 points per game in 2023-24 and helping the franchise reach the NBA Finals. Brooklyn receives D for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and future 2027 second and unprotected 2029 first-round picks.