BLOCKBUSTER: Ja Morant Officially Traded to Dallas Mavericks — Reuniting with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis
By: Tyler Benson | July 20, 2025 – Dallas, T
In a move that has instantly reshaped the Western Conference power structure, Ja Morant has officially been traded to the Dallas Mavericks, marking the formation of a new “Big Three” alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. The news was confirmed Sunday morning following weeks of quiet negotiations between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Mavericks’ front office.
The deal sends shockwaves throughout the NBA, as Morant — one of the league’s most electrifying talents — leaves Memphis after five seasons to join two of the most accomplished veterans in modern basketball. In return, the Grizzlies will receive Josh Green, Dereck Lively II, two future first-round picks (2026 and 2028), and a 2027 pick swap.
“This is the kind of move that changes everything,” said one NBA executive. “Dallas just went from a fringe playoff team to a legitimate championship contender overnight.”
THE REUNION FANS DIDN’T SEE COMING
Though Morant, Irving, and Davis had never played together in the NBA, the three stars have long shared a bond forged through offseason workouts, All-Star appearances, and their time in USA Basketball training camps. Their chemistry off the court is well-documented, but fans and analysts alike are now eagerly anticipating how that chemistry will translate between the lines.
“To be able to share the court with guys like Kyrie and AD — it’s special,” Morant said during his introductory press conference in Dallas. “We’ve talked about this for years. Now it’s real.”
Anthony Davis, who arrived in Dallas via trade from the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer, also spoke on the reunion.
“This is bigger than basketball,” Davis said. “We know what we’re capable of when we’re locked in. This is our time.”
Kyrie Irving, the longest-tenured of the trio in Dallas, added, “It’s rare to align this kind of talent, but more importantly, this kind of mindset. We’re coming for everything.”
JA MORANT’S MEMPHIS LEGACY
Morant, 26, leaves Memphis with a complicated but impactful legacy. Drafted second overall in 2019, he quickly rose to stardom, earning the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year award and later becoming a two-time All-Star. His explosive athleticism, fearless playing style, and unmatched confidence helped revitalize the Grizzlies and turn the franchise into a perennial playoff contender.
However, his time in Memphis was not without controversy. Off-court issues and league-imposed suspensions briefly stalled his momentum, but Morant rebounded with maturity and a rededicated focus in recent seasons.
“Ja helped put Memphis back on the map,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. “He’ll always be part of our family. We wish him nothing but success.”
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR DALLAS
The Mavericks are now positioned as one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA. With Morant running point, Kyrie as the creative veteran scorer, and Davis dominating both ends of the floor in the paint, the team has no shortage of firepower.
Team owner Mark Cuban called it “the boldest move of my tenure,” adding that “we’re not just trying to compete — we’re trying to win it all.”
The Mavericks are also rumored to be pursuing depth additions to round out their bench, with reports linking them to veterans such as Danny Green, P.J. Tucker, and Cedi Osman.
“We’re building something special here,” said Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. “This isn’t just about names on paper. It’s about creating a championship culture.”
SHIFTING BALANCE IN THE WEST
With this move, the Western Conference power rankings are in flux. The Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors are now facing a Mavericks team with three All-NBA-caliber talents — all healthy and with a point to prove.
NBA analysts have begun drawing comparisons to past legendary trios, including the Celtics’ Garnett-Pierce-Allen trio and the Heat’s LeBron-Wade-Bosh era. The potential upside? A deep playoff run — or even a Finals appearance — as early as 2026.
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2025–26 NBA season is still months away, but expectations in Dallas have reached a fever pitch. Season ticket demand has spiked, merchandise sales are soaring, and social media is ablaze with speculation.
Still, Morant remains focused.
“Talk is cheap,” he said. “We know the pressure. But pressure builds diamonds. Let’s hoop.”
As the NBA braces for a season unlike any other, one thing is clear: the Dallas Mavericks are officially in win-now mode, and with Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the league’s newest superteam is ready to make history.
Game on.
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