Kyrie Irving got his wish.
The Brooklyn Nets traded the disgruntled superstar to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in exchange for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks, according to multiple reports. The trade comes just days after Irving requested a trade upon failing to reach a contract extension with the Nets.
The trade also marks the latest turn in a turbulent season for Irving and the Nets. In November, Brooklyn suspended Irving for his “failure to disavow antisemitism” after the guard posted links on social media to a documentary that contained antisemitic tropes. Irving missed a total of eight games, though his return helped the Nets make a dramatic climb in the standings as Brooklyn ripped off a 12-game winning streak. “I don’t stand for anything close to hate speech or antisemitism or anything that is going against the human race,” Irving said when he rejoined the Nets in late November.
The Nets excused Irving from the team ahead of Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards.
Irving also had to miss almost the entire home schedule last season over his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
With the Mavericks, Irving teams up with star Luka Doncic — an MVP candidate who helped Dallas reach the Western Conference Finals last season. Dallas is just 28-26 this season and had been reportedly searching for another star player to fit alongside Doncic.
The Mavericks are sending a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2029 second round-pick to the Nets, sources @TheAthletic @Stadium. Brooklyn also is sending Markieff Morris to Dallas. https://t.co/EtqlQqQuGq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2023
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.