Now that the dust has settled on the historic Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers trade, reality is starting to set in. For the Lakers, that means a franchise cornerstone yet to enter his prime that could shape the team’s future for the next decade. However, on the Dallas Mavericks side, the situation is far more immediate, as both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are turning north of 32 in a few short weeks.
Reporters caught up with Irving for his first comments since the trade was finalized.
Kyrie Irving Reveals True Feelings About Luka Dončić Trade
Irving is now teaming up with a longtime friend in Davis. However, in the process, he lost a co-star who had given him his most successful run since his days in Cleveland.
Davis had revealed earlier how both he and Irving had plans of teaming up long ago when he first requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans back in 2018. Of course, it didn’t come to fruition, but now, they get a second chance, this time in Dallas.
“I’m very excited. Me and (Kyrie) talked about this, I think, in 2018, when I asked for a trade from New Orleans. He was in Boston at the time. He ended up leaving and going to Brooklyn. But we have wanted to play alongside each other for a very long time. Now, we have an opportunity to do so.”
However, Irving clarified that those discussions weren’t the basis of current decisions.
“That has no foreshadowing on anything, just letting you know that right now. In 2018, it was like a dream for Kyrie-AD-KD [Kevin Durant] to be on one team and still keep JT [Jayson Tatum] and let him grow.”
Kyrie Irving clarified that just because he recruited Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant to form a trio in 2018, it isn’t “foreshadowing” to current events. pic.twitter.com/QvEQQMnbuq
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 5, 2025
But that was a different time. Right now, for Irving, the first feeling was complete and utter shock about losing a star many considered untouchable in any trade negotiations.
“I was really shocked, and I just don’t imagine that you’re gonna get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that. So, still a grieving process right now. Miss my hermano. We had a lot of time together, ‘Kieff [Markieff Morris] too, and Maxi [Kleber], we just built some bonds that went beyond the basketball court.”
Kyrie Irving shares his reaction to the Luka Dončić trade. pic.twitter.com/vRW5AtOp6o
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 5, 2025
To Irving, it felt like family separation, and he spoke about it as such.
“So, if anyone can understand at home when someone or a few people leave in a trade, it’s going to be difficult. That’s what we’re dealing with right now. But this is a business, so way above my pay grade. I just gotta adjust and be ready to welcome in my new teammates with open arms.”
Speaking of those teammates, the conversation then shifted to how Irving envisioned the pairing with Davis to function. With complete honesty, the Mavericks guard shared his cautious enthusiasm with the group.
“It’s an adjustment period. I don’t want to downplay this either or disrespect our new guys. They’re gonna help us win and help us build towards a championship.”
Nevertheless, the hurt at losing his trusted teammates was still apparent, especially with Irving’s parting message.
“Just like everyone else at home, kind of see it from afar, and it hurts.”
Even with the challenges and the hurt Irving feels right now, the former NBA champion is ready to embrace his role as a prominent figure for Dallas.
“It’s an opportunity to rise and an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Just figure out how we can get the best out of each other.”
