By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Less than 72 hours ago, Kyrie Irving officially requested a trade after negotiations for a contract extension had failed. Irving, 30, is set to become a free agent this summer. Irving had been with the Brooklyn Nets since 2019 and to say that things were quite difficult in this relationship between the two sides would be a major understatement. From injuries to unwanted drama, Irving missed a significant amount of playing time and he very unlikely to stay in Brooklyn beyond this season. It certainly was no marriage made in heaven!
Once word came out that Irving demanded to be traded, the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and the Los Angles Clippers were in the mix along with Dallas as far as teams linked with a possible trade involving Irving.
The Nets will receive Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie along with an unprotected 2029 first-round pick. Brooklyn also gets second-round picks for 2027 and 2029. Dinwiddie previously played for Brooklyn from 2016 to 2021. In addition, Dinwiddie was part of the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards.
Irving is averaging 27.1 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists. And his FG percentage is at 49. The potential of a brilliant dynamic duo between Irving and Luka Doncic is exciting. Tim Hardaway Jr. adds more to to the excitement. Considering that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and Irving know each other very well, it's not much of a surprise that Dallas was able to land Irving. In addition, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd apparently wanted this trade to happen.
Irving did not play his final game with Brooklyn due to a calf injury. Dallas is about to get back on the road and they'll take on the Utah Jazz tomorrow. Irving is expected to undergo a physical tomorrow and make his Mavs debut against the Clippers this coming Wednesday.