The Dallas Mavericks may not have had much of a choice once they knew Sunday they could acquire Kyrie Irving in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. But that doesn't mean they're immune from the same disastrous ending other teams have experienced after putting their faith in him.

Irving is a player who, on paper, certainly surrounds Luka Doncic with the level of talent he needs to have a realistic shot at postseason glory. But in reality, Irving has often been a star whose skill and promise have led instead to drama, disappointment and ultimately failure.

The guy can ball. This could work. But it's been a long time since he's won anything of note.

That was the sense around the NBA Sunday as news spread, and CBS Sports confirmed, that the mercurial Nets point guard was heading to the Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick and several second-round picks.

It's a very good return for a Nets team acting under serious pressure and with little leverage. And for Dallas it's a prize acquired, to be sure — but one that could be more poisoned chalice than championship spark.