The Brooklyn Nets told reporters Sunday afternoon their plan was to sit embattled guard Kyrie Irving ahead of the NBA trade deadline while a deal was worked out. It appears as though that benching won’t last long.
Sources indicate that the Nets will be sending Irving, alongside Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a 4 player deal. Coming back the other way will be Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected 2029 1st round pick, and 2nd round picks in both 2027 and 2029.
The deal will undoubtedly have a domino effect across the league as the February 9th deadline looms. According to reports, the Laker and Nets discussed a variety of Kyrie to LA deals over the course of the weekend, but weren’t able to get the trade across the finish line.
After talks between the two clubs fell apart, Dallas was quick to swoop in and come to terms with Brooklyn. While Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith are both serviceable rotation pieces, they’ll do little to increase the Nets title odds this spring.
However, the Mavericks unprotected first, plus the 1st rounder previously acquired from Philadelphia in the James Harden trade, now gives Brooklyn’s front office some draft capital that they can dangle ahead of the deadline in the hopes of further bolstering their roster.
Dallas meanwhile gains an explosive scorer, with championship experience to pair with All-NBA guard Luka Doncic. While the 30 year old has had a tumultuous tenure in Brooklyn to say the least, Dallas has the luxury of seeing how the remainder of the season plays out before committing to Irving long term.
Reports out of the Duke alum’s camp are that Irving is seeking a max contract extension which would be in the neighbourhood of $198.5M over 4 years.
Currently averaging 27.1pts/5.1reb/5.3ast with 48.6 FG%/37.4 3P%/88.3 FT% splits, Irving is worth the money when he’s on the floor. However with only 143 games across the last 4 seasons combined due to a variety of injuries, suspensions, and refusal to get vaccinated, his on court availability is far from a sure thing.
Dallas is set to take on Utah on Monday night, however it’s currently unclear whether Irving will make his debut with the club by then.
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.