Kyrie Irving Makes Request After Luka Doncic Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 4:08 PM ET

In one of the more shocking trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis in a three-team trade just before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Now, just one season removed from a trip to the NBA Finals, the Mavericks will be moving forward without the 25-year-old superstar, hoping the combination of Davis and Kyrie Irving can bring the franchise its second championship.

Mavericks fans were not happy with the trade, and rightfully so, as their team had their cornerstone for possibly the next decade and more. In fact, Dallas fans have been so brutal about the trade that they have started to protest before and during games. They even had to beef up their security following the deal.

On Wednesday, ESPN's "NBA Today" released an interview between Irving and Malika Andrews. Irving first went over how he felt about losing Doncic.

"Part of our job is to deal with the public space, but there were real relationships that were built behind the scenes that will transcend just the basketball court," Irving said. "Coaching and upper management, and I know that ... we not only had two years together, but we got to know each other as well."

Then, Irving went on to make a request about the "public criticism" the Mavericks have faced.

"Hopefully, we can tailor back on some of the public criticism aspects of it and really just maintain the kindness and the compassion that we have for each other that's real every day, not just one moment or a soundbite that ends up being described as something that could be taken out of context," Irving added. "That's what I feel like is going on right now; people are highly emotional.

Kyrie on Luka:

"Hopefully we can tailor back on some of the public criticism aspects of it and really just maintain the kindness and the compassion that we have for each other that's real everyday not just one moment or a soundbite that could be taken out of context" pic.twitter.com/yxc6lzOpOO
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 19, 2025

Irving is playing at a high level this season, averaging 24.6 points and 4.8 assists, helping Dallas to a 30-26 record. Unfortunately, Davis was only able to play in one game with the Mavs before suffering a left adductor strain, sidelining him for multiple weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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