Photo Courtesy of Legion Hoops / Twitter
The Brooklyn Nets reportedly have traded their star player Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks.
An anonymous source told ESPN that in exchange for Irving, the Mavericks are giving the Nets Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and second-round picks for 2027 and 2029.
Along with Irving, the Mavericks are bringing the Nets’ Markieff Morris to their team. It’s unclear when the two will make their debut appearance with the Mavericks.
The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to negotiate with the Nets to acquire Irving, but the Mavericks’ offer allowed the Nets to get promising players to play alongside Kevin Durant.
Irving’s time with the Nets came with injuries and backlash for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and promoting an alleged antisemitic movie. The point guard has been with the Nets since 2019, but since he failed to extend his time with the team, he’s looking to be traded.
He took to Twitter to thank Nets fans for their support on and off the court, which confirmed NBA fans wouldn’t be seeing him return to the court with the Nets.
“Thank you NetsWorld fans and supporters for the Love on and off the court,” he tweeted. “I will forever be grateful I got to live out my dream I had as a Kid with y’all. It will always be Love from me and my family.”
https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving/status/1622491394408386562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener
The trade reconnects Irving with former Nike executive Nico Harris, now Mavericks’ general manager. Nike and Irving partnered before the antisemitic move promotion severed the business deal.
Irving and his new agent, Shetellia Riley Irving (his mother), seek a four-year contract and $198 million. A contract with the Mavericks has not been guaranteed.