Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving expressed his surprise and emotional turmoil following the team's decision to trade five-time All-NBA First Team player Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the Mavericks suffered a narrow 118-116 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, Irving conveyed his feelings to reporters, stating that he was 'really shocked' and currently navigating a 'grieving process.'

Irving articulated the suddenness of the news, sharing his thoughts: 'Just really shocked and you just don't imagine you're going to get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that.' He went on to emphasize the impact of the trade, saying, 'It's still a grieving process right now. I miss my hermano.' The partnership he formed with Dončić had marked a significant chapter in the Mavericks' recent history.

Since joining the Mavericks via trade from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023, Irving and Dončić had led the team to their third Western Conference title during the 2023-24 season – the franchise's first since 2011. As Irving pondered the implications of the trade, he acknowledged the need to adapt, stating, 'The goal is to win a championship, but at the same time, we still have to acknowledge our little Slovenian president is no longer here, and we've got to adjust.' Further analyses on the trade's impact and the Mavericks' future strategy will follow.