Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
September 2025
Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reflected on his decision to trade for Kyrie Irving in 2023, admitting players—not executives—convinced him. Irving’s talent was doubted due to past controversies, but Cuban trusted locker room voices, a gamble that ultimately reshaped Dallas’ fortunes.
Cuban said every player he consulted “loved Kyrie,” despite his toxic reputation in Boston and Brooklyn. Irving proved pivotal, thriving alongside Luka Doncic before the latter’s departure. His All-Star play silenced critics, stabilizing Dallas’ locker room and justifying Cuban’s faith as one of his last big moves.