The Brooklyn Nets are trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The news comes after Irving requested a trade, late last week. In exchange for the eight-time NBA All-Star, the Nets will receive Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick as well as second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
The Nets reportedly plan to use the assets they'll acquire to further improve their immediate roster. The deadline for trades is on Thursday.
Spencer Dinwiddie reacted to news of the trade on Twitter, Sunday, admitting that he learned he was on the move from Shams Charania. "When @ShamsCharania says it’s time to go you pack your bags," Dinwiddie tweeted.
"Plus Elijah said he wanted to go back home." Dinwiddie previously played with the Nets for five seasons before an ACL injury in the 2020-21 season.
Irving leaves the Nets after spending a tumultuous four seasons with the organization. During the stretch, Irving missed dozens of games for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He also faced a suspension for promoting a movie that contained antisemitic themes. Additionally, he's in the final season of his deal, meaning the Mavs' will have to work out a new contract with him in the offseason. Irving addressed his decision to request a trade on Twitter, on Friday.
“To my Peers: JUST BE YOURSelf and GROW!,” he wrote at the time. “Keep people around who CELEBRATE YOU unconditionally and appreciates all of the hard work that gets put in. Distance yourself from the folks who manipulate, hate, and hurt.”
Other teams interested in acquiring Kyrie Irving included the Los Angeles Lakers, which would've resulted in a reunion between Irving and LeBron James. However, the Mavericks were able to put the Nets in a better position to win now with their deal. Check out Spencer Dinwiddie's reaction to the trade news on Twitter below.
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