Mark Cuban Reflects on Kyrie Irving Trade

Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban initially viewed Kyrie Irving as a 'team killer' due to his controversial past with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, including issues related to COVID-19 and other off-court controversies. Cuban's perception changed after in-depth discussions with Irving and others who knew him well, revealing Irving's positive relationships with teammates. Despite a rocky start, Irving helped lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, showcasing a significant turnaround. Cuban emphasized Irving's misunderstood nature and his 'heart of gold,' which contributed to the decision to trade for and retain him. This move has been pivotal for the Mavericks, especially after losing Jalen Brunson in free agency.