Kyrie Irving’s name still sparks a fiery disdain in Boston, where Celtics fans haven’t forgotten his dramatic exit. After pledging his heart to the franchise, vowing to stay for life, Irving pulled a stunning about-face in 2019, spurning Boston to sign with division rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. The betrayal cut deep, and his short-lived Nets tenure—marked by controversy and a forced trade to the Dallas Mavericks—only cemented his reputation as a wandering superstar.
Now, in Dallas, Irving’s story has taken another grim turn. Teamed up with Luka Doncic, expectations were sky-high, but the duo’s dreams have been derailed. Doncic is now a Laker, and Irving is sidelined with a torn ACL, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. The Mavericks, scrambling to salvage their campaign, are eyeing an unlikely savior: former Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon.
According to DallasHoopsJournal.com’s Grant Afseth, the Mavericks’ front office has zeroed in on Brogdon as a potential stopgap while Irving rehabs. The 32-year-old veteran, now an unrestricted free agent after a 24-game stint with the Washington Wizards, is not expected to return to D.C. Instead, he could find himself in Dallas, stepping into the void left by Irving’s injury.
Celtics fans know Brogdon’s game well. During his lone season in Boston, he dazzled as the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year, posting 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 26 minutes per game. His cerebral playstyle, built on savvy rather than speed, made him a fan favorite at TD Garden. But at 33 years old, can Brogdon still deliver? His game never relied on explosive athleticism, which could mean a smoother transition into the twilight of his career compared to other aging point guards.
For Dallas, signing Brogdon is a gamble, but a calculated one. He’s not the electrifying talent Irving is, but his steady hand and veteran poise could keep the Mavericks afloat until their star returns. For Boston fans, the irony is rich: a beloved ex-Celtic potentially bailing out the despised Irving in Dallas. As the 2025-26 season looms, all eyes will be on whether this “washed-up” guard can still shine—or if Dallas’ desperate fix will fall flat.