NBA Analyst Believes Former Duke Star Kyrie Irving Should've Been Traded

The Duke Blue Devils basketball program has been one of the most historic over the years, with so many talented players coming through the system.

Duke has prided itself on this, and it has seen top prospects be determined to come to Durham to play. The Blue Devils brand is one of the largest in college basketball, and it has developed so many stars in the NBA.

One of the biggest ones in recent memory is former guard Kyrie Irving, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Irving has put together a very strong NBA career, making nine All-Star teams and winning one title, among other accomplishments.

The veteran guard is now with the Dallas Mavericks, gearing up for a crucial season for him. Irving missed all of last year due to a torn ACL in his left knee, but the star is back and ready to get going.

Entering the season, there have been all sorts of trade rumors around Irving, with speculation that Dallas could look to move the veteran. Irving still has a few years left on his current contract, but the Mavericks have held off on moving him so far.

NBA analyst Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes that the Mavericks should have traded Irving over the summer, setting up the franchise for the future. With the way that Dallas has its roster set up, Irving may not fit the timeline any longer.

Swartz believes that Irving should have been sent to the Orlando Magic over the offseason, giving both sides something they need. For the Magic, they would get a veteran star guard to help them after a title, while Dallas would get more future assets to build around young forward Cooper Flagg.

For now, Irving will remain with the Mavericks, looking to help this team get back to the playoffs after missing a year ago. But if Dallas were to get off to a slow start, it could bring back all the trade rumors around the former Duke star.

Irving may want to play for more of a contender, especially with him being in his mid-30s at this point in his career. Dallas could surprise people to contend for a postseason spot, especially if Irving is healthy enough to be the star that he was pre-injury.

However, there are a lot of questions around the Mavericks entering the new season, and Irving could be on the move later this year, potentially around the trade deadline.