Exclusive: Durant Sees 'Great' Potential for Mavericks Despite Dončić Trade, Irving Injury

After the Phoenix Suns achieved a 125-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Kevin Durant offered a candid assessment of the Mavs, reflecting on Kyrie Irving’s latest injury, the emotional departure of Luka Dončić, and the team’s potential.

Durant, who has maintained a close relationship with Irving throughout their careers, including being teammates on the Brooklyn Nets, said his primary concern is his longtime friend’s well-being as he works through another injury setback.

“Kai’s such a strong-minded individual, but every day is going to be full of total effort and care for his body and his mind and his game overall,” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Looking forward to him getting back as quickly as possible, but having a safe recovery, no setbacks, you know, that’s what we all hoping for. And I’m thinking about him, man, that’s one of my boys.”

Durant also addressed the impact of the franchise’s decision to trade Dončić. This move sent shockwaves through the Mavericks’ fanbase and marked the end of a significant era in Dallas basketball.

“He just brought a lot of love and energy to the city of Dallas,” Durant said. “Just from seeing the reaction, it felt like you lost a family member when you lost him. So it’s gonna take some time for people to get over that.”

Durant acknowledged the emotional weight of the transition, noting how deeply fans had connected with Dončić and what his absence means to the community.

“Those emotions that they had are real, and they should address those too,” Durant said. “But once you see this team, see [Anthony Davis] out there healthy with Kai, healthy with Klay, Gafford and Lively, you just kind of saw a small glimpse of it when AD’s first half of that first game — what they can be.”

The Mavericks will have to wait until the 2025-26 season for the opportunity to realize that potential, with Irving sidelined for the rest of this season, among a long list of other key injuries. Regardless, Durant expressed optimism about what Dallas can become. He pointed to the team’s size, athleticism, and defensive upside as ingredients for a promising future — especially with a healthy Irving leading the way.

“I think it’d be a great team,” Durant said. “I mean, they got size, they got athleticism, defense, and you got a guy like Kyrie leading you and a city like Dallas that got your support. Should be fun.”

While uncertainty remains during the transition away from Dončić’s tenure, Durant’s belief in the team’s potential offers encouragement. The path forward hinges on health, chemistry, and continued growth — with Irving’s recovery at the forefront.