At the 2023 trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks made the largest midseason trade in team history when they attempted to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets.
Dallas was looking for a co-star for Luka Doncic, and even though the Mavs had a difficult start and there were a lot of people who doubted them, the Irving trade has been a huge success for the team. Dallas made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 thanks in large part to the strong bond between Irving and Doncic, and Nico Harrison has done a fantastic job of structuring the team around them.
Dallas selected Dereck Lively II in the summer draft, and at the trade deadline, they acquired Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. Doncic and Irving looked great in all three of these moves, and they made even more important plays this summer.
The kindness of Markieff Morris aids Kyrie Irving in luring Klay Thompson to the Mavericks
The biggest move made by Dallas was a sign-and-trade for Klay Thompson with the Golden State Warriors, although they also traded for Quentin Grimes and signed Naji Marshall. This summer, Irving assisted in bringing Thompson to the Mavs, and a little-known but important part of the Kyrie trade also facilitated Thompson’s move to Dallas.
In his first season with the Mavs, Irving felt very at ease because of Markieff Morris, according to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required). “That comfort level, sources say, is among the perks Irving relayed to Thompson to assist with Dallas’ free agent recruitment of the sharpshooter who helped the Warriors win four championships,” Stein writes.
People tend to forget that Morris was involved in the Irving trade, and this organization definitely benefits from his seasoned leadership. Morris is one of Irving’s closest friends on the Mavs, and it goes without saying that part of his recruiting strategy to bring Thompson to the Mavs included lending a helping hand to Irving last season.
It’s incredible to consider that Morris helped the Mavs land their biggest free agent signing in franchise history, and supporters need to understand how important he is to both the team and his teammates.
Morris is a leader who is well-liked by his teammates and coaches, and he consistently demonstrates that his value extends well beyond the basketball court despite his limited playing time. Morris is the kind of player that every team needs—someone who can lead by example and exudes positivity every day.
Morris is a free agent in theory, but the Mavs are reportedly trying to re-sign him using their last roster spot. Dallas appears to be prioritizing keeping him around for the upcoming season after realizing the value he brought in just one and a half seasons.
Morris’s value to the team ultimately paid off for the Mavs in free agency as it helped them land Thompson, despite the fact that many people forget he was a part of the Irving trade.
Stay tuned for all the latest during the offseason on Markieff Morris, Klay Thompson, and the Dallas Mavericks.
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