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Knicks could end up with a lottery pick thanks to Kyrie Irving

By Jordanna Clark

DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 27, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 27, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
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On the Sunday before the trade deadline, the Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving. It was a move that thrilled New York Knicks fans because it signaled the end of the ‘Nets dynasty’ that was unable to win a championship with Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

Dallas has been trying to replace Jalen Brunson since losing him in free agency during the offseason. The Mavericks signed former Knicks point guard Kemba Walker before waiving him a few weeks later. Derrick Rose was linked to Dallas, but ultimately, Mark Cuban was able to make a larger splash by sending Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks (2027,2029) to Brooklyn.

In the seven games that Irving has played for the Mavericks, the team is 3-4. Post All-Star break, Dallas is 1-2 and is currently riding a two-game losing streak with losses to the Lakers and Pacers.

Considering that the Knicks own a 2023 top-10 protected first-round pick from the Mavericks from the Kristaps Porzingis trade, the more that Dallas struggles, the better.

Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving experiment failing would benefit Knicks in 2023 NBA Draft

According to Tankathon, the Knicks are currently projected to have the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Depending on how the rest of the season goes for the Mavericks, New York could get extremely lucky and wind up with a lottery pick (11-14) even if the team makes the playoffs. Thanks, Dallas.

Looking ahead at the Mavericks’ next six games, they’ll face the Sixers, the new-look Suns, the Jazz, the Pelicans, and the Grizzlies twice. That’ll be a tough stretch for Dallas.

Meanwhile, New York sits in the top five of the Eastern Conference and could make it back to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The Knicks had the No. 11 pick in the draft last year, although the organization ended up trading that pick away in what was a chaotic draft night. It would be something if New York made a playoff push and still managed to have a lottery pick in June.

Come on, Mavericks. Do the Knicks another favor, please!

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