The Dallas Mavericks are still reeling from one of the biggest trades in NBA history—sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. While the league is still processing the blockbuster move, Kyrie Irving has finally addressed the situation, revealing how he’s handling the transition and shifting the blame away from GM Nico Harrison.

In an exclusive sit-down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Irving kept it simple: “I’m good, I’m good.”

Despite the emotional toll, he emphasized focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past. “I’m taking it one day at a time but it also, you know, just kind of enjoying the process of the changing environment,” Irving said.

“As hard as that, when the sounds coming out, it’s just like you still got to find a way to find joy and make sure everybody is good. And we’re all human. So we’re all going to feel for each other.”

The shift, as Andrews noted, is massive. Irving acknowledged the challenge, but he remains committed to keeping the team focused. “It’s a little bit of a different change, but we’re going to have to adjust and adapt and have fun doing so,” he said.

“Basketball can’t be a place where you know we’re trying to dump our emotions on all the time. Our predecessors, people who have come before us, dealt with so many other things as well. So for me, that’s what gave me peace of mind is knowing that it’s history in the league didn’t just change for us. It changed for the dynamics of many different teams, and now it’s for us, it’s on us. It’s our responsibility to be professionals. We kept it between us, we had to.”

Dallas made the NBA Finals last year, only to fall short against the Boston Celtics. The trade raised eyebrows, and fans have directed their outrage at GM Nico Harrison. However, veteran NBA journalist David Aldridge exposed the real decision-makers behind the move.

On The Rich Eisen Show, Aldridge revealed, “The owner decides if they’re gonna do it or not… I wanna see more people holding ownership accountable because owners decide to trade a guy like Luka Doncic, not Nico Harrison.”

This means Harrison only recommended the trade, while the final decision came from the Adelson and Dumont families, the Mavericks’ new controlling owners. So, the fans, who have been furious over losing their generational superstar, might need to shift their anger away from Harrison and toward the ownership group.

Kyrie Irving holds all the cards this time

Trading the 5x All-Star bonded the Mavericks to Kyrie Irving during a critical period. Notably, Irving holds unmatched leverage with free agency looming this summer, according to NBA insiders. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, “Irving holds the most leverage” heading into the offseason—clearly showing his influence.

In 2023, Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $120 million contract, which includes a $43.96 million player option for the 2025-26 season. At that time, the Mavericks emerged from a tanking strategy designed to secure a key draft pick. In addition, rumors hinted the Slovenian might push for a trade if the team struggled again. Then, after reaching the NBA Finals, Dallas appeared to be on track.

However, everything shifted when Luka was traded to the Lakers. GM Nico Harrison defended the move, stating it positions the team “to win now and also win in the future.” Yet without a high-caliber ball-handler like Irving, championship ambitions remain uncertain—Spencer Dinwiddie simply cannot fill that role.

Irving is currently averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 47.8 percent shooting. If he opts out of his current deal, he might secure a max contract worth up to $313 million over five years. More likely is a three-year, $176 million extension similar to Anthony Davis’s deal.

It’s a wild ride, and we’re all watching closely. Stay tuned, everyone—more coming.