Kyrie Irving addressed the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers for the first time after the Mavericks’ 1118-116 loss to the 76ers on Tuesday, telling reporters that he was “really shocked” and still in the “grieving process” over what transpired.
Dallas has dropped its first two games since the trade went down, but Irving did not appear in the Sunday loss to the Cavaliers, making Tuesday the first time he spoke to the media since the blockbuster.
“Just really shocked. You just don’t imagine that you’re gonna get ready to go to sleep and find out news like that,” Irving told reporters. “So still the grieving process right now. I miss my hermano. We had a lot of time together — [Markieff Morris] too, and [Maxi Kleber]. We just built some bonds that went beyond the basketball court. If anybody can understand at home, when someone or a few people leave in a trade it’s gonna be difficult, and that’s what we’re dealing with right now.”
The trade caught the entire basketball world off guard and has created dissatisfaction among the team’s fans, who have been vocally protesting the team’s front office.
The deal sent Doncic, Kleber and Morris to the Lakers with Anthony Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick going back to Dallas.
The Jazz also picked up two second-round picks and Jalen Hood-Schifino in the wild deal.
Iriving now said it’s time for him to “adjust” to the new reality.
“This is a business. It’s way above my pay grade,” Irving said. “Kinda just gotta adjust and be ready to welcome in my new teammates with open arms and kinda be ready to go back to Dallas to speak in front of our fans. I know they’re feeling it too — I’m feeling it too, guys. It’s just an adjustment period.
“I don’t wanna downplay this either or disrespect our new guys, they’re gonna help us win and help us build towards a championship. But just like everyone else at home, kinda see it from afar, it hurts.”
The Mavs will play one more game on the road Thursday in Boston before they return to American Airlines Center on Saturday for their first home game since the trade.
Clippers on Feb. 4, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images
Fans are expected to hold another protest to express their displeasure over the trade, according to posts online.
Credit: Source link
