Anthony Davis “very excited” to play with Kiri Irving after a shocking Mavericks trade – The New York Times

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Philadelphia – Anthony Davis said on Tuesday that he wanted to play with Kiri Irving for a very long time.

On Sunday, this wish became a reality when Davis was traded by Los Angeles Lakers to Dallas Maverix for Luca Doncic.

“I’m very excited,” Davis said. “I (Kiri) we talked about it, in my opinion, in 2018, when I asked for a New Orleans trade. He was in Boston then. He eventually left and went to Brooklyn. But we have been wanting to play next to each other for a very long time. Now we have the opportunity to do it. “

The 31 -year -old Davis and the 32 -year -old Erving will be the founding tracks of the Mavericks team who believe he can compete for championships. Davis said his initial trade response was shocked. When this worn out, he felt loaded.

“When do I get to Dallas?” said Davis.

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Shortly after Davis spoke with reporters, Mavericks made another deal, acquiring the wing of the Philadelphia 76ers Caleb Martin, a league source said. Quentin Grims will move from Dallas to Philadelphia, and 76ers will also regain control of their own choice of a second round of 2025.

Davis has a relationship with Mavericks General Nico Harrison, who has been back for more than a decade. Harrison was Nike CEO when Davis was a top high school player in Chicago.

“Nico has known me from high school,” Davis said. “One of the boys I approached when I signed with Nike. And it remained close. Even in his time, we remained good friends here. To return with us to return with us, to be here together in Dallas, it will be fun. “

Davis an average of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per match this season. He missed his last three games with Lakers due to injury, but he is available in the bigger part of this season, playing in 42 of 48 games of the team.

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Davis said he could make his debut in Dallas right after Thursday in Boston. If he can’t play then, he will probably fit on Saturday at Dallas’ home match against Houston missiles.

“I’m about to train today,” Davis said. “Look how I feel. Depending on this, take another one in (in) Wednesday. Then, depending on this, see how I feel. If not Thursday, more than probably Saturday. “

Davis is part of two of the largest NBA transactions of the modern era. In 2019, the Pelicans in New Orleans moved him to Lakers to transport young players and drafts. Los Angeles won the NBA Championship in the first season of Davis. The calling card of this team was his protection and Lakers finished the regular season ranked third in defense efficiency.

Harrison said he traded Doncic for Davis because he believes “Defense wins championships.”

Davis said he expects to play a lot of power forward with Mavericks, his preferred position. The team has centers Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II already under contract, although Lively is currently aside with the right ankle fracture.

“I think I will play a lot (force forward),” Davis said. “Obviously, Derek is dealing with an injury. Gaff (Ord) plays phenomenal. So I think that’s the plan. But we’ll see how this works. “

Mavericks (26-24) are eighth in the western conference and could potentially take more steps before the deadline for trading on Thursday.

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(Photo: Bill Stretch / USA today)