Kyrie Irving joins the Dallas Mavericks ahead of NBA trade deadline

The GIST: There’s already been one major move ahead of Thursday’s fast approaching NBA trade deadline, with a few more names to watch as the clock ticks down. Grab that popcorn.

Kyrie Irving: After stunningly requesting a trade off the superteam that wasn’ton Friday, former Brooklyn Net Kyrie Irving is joining the Dallas Mavericks (his fourth NBA team), a choice that sent LA Laker LeBron James into his own Midnights era.

• Irving leaves New York after four years of drama, where he missed dozens of games for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and served a suspension for promoting an antisemitic movie.

• The Mavs hope the unpredictable eight-time All-Star can provide crucial support to the league’s leading scorer, Luka Dončić, but the Nets might be the big winners after saying goodbye to their biggest headache and acquiring two solid players from Dallas, along with future draft picks. A win-win.

Who else to watch: Irving has caused the most chaos so far (as he does), but trade week has only just begun. Other big names on the block include current Laker Russell Westbrook. The Lake Show are looking to move the former MVP who hasn’t found his footing in Hollywood.

• The 12th-in-the-Eastern-Conference Toronto Raptors could also be wheelin’ and dealin’, with Fred VanVleet’s and O.G. Anunoby’s names being tossed around the rumor mill. Watch this space.