05 February 2023 , 20:12
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Kyrie Irving is heading to the Dallas Mavericks after requesting a trade before Thursday's deadline.
The Brooklyn Nets star dropped the bombshell on Friday that he wanted to leave the franchise before Thursday's NBA trade deadline. And with Irving free to leave at the end of the season, securing a trade deal was crucial for the Nets.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Irving will join the Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks. Irving was linked with multiple franchises, but has now wrapped up his next move.
In addition, The Mavericks are sending a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2029 second round-pick to the Nets, according to The Athletic. The Nets are also is sending Markieff Morris the other way.
The Nets have been in great form, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-20. Irving has recently become an even more important member of the roster following Kevin Durant's injury.
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But when Durant does return, Irving won't be there. It was Durant that initially requested a trade before the start of the season, but his plea was rejected by the Nets.
Now, Irving has left the franchise before his now former team-mate, and it's expected that the Nets will look to bring in another star before the deadline. Irving will join a Mavericks side who sit sixth in the Western Conference, with a record of 28-26.
Irving requested a trade on FridayIt's been a dramatic few years for the Nets, and a very hectic period for Irving specifically. Irving has missed countless games in the past due to his vaccination status, and dealt with another controversy this season too.
Irving shared an antisemitic link on social media and was suspended by the Nets, and former partner Nike. Irving later returned to the NBA after apologising and sitting out for a number of weeks, but will finally hope to have a fresh start at the Mavericks.
He was booed by the Nets fans after making his sudden trade request, even though he wasn't out on the court. But the two have now parted ways, as he's left within just two days of making his request.