Kyrie Irving

Irving's stint with the Brooklyn Nets is ending after multiple controversies, including a suspension over an antisemitic social media post and missing games ...

However, The Athletic The city later expanded exemptions to its vaccine mandate. In his first season, he missed dozens of games due to a [shoulder injury](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28745597/kyrie-irving-season-ending-shoulder-surgery-nets-looking-big-picture). [The Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-dallas-mavericks-nba-sports-basketball-04a54cb3ecf504152a3dd714d064d22a), [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35594375/sources-nets-trading-star-guard-kyrie-irving-mavericks) and [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/05/sports/basketball/kyrie-irving-trade-mavericks.html). [trade request](https://theathletic.com/4154256/2023/02/03/kyrie-irving-nets-trade-request/).

And Luka Doncic is getting another All-Star to help him in Dallas. The Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets agreed Sunday on a blockbuster trade: Irving — the super- ...

And he spoke at length of how highly he thinks of Doncic's game, after the Mavs star had a 41-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist masterpiece. Irving signed as a free agent while Durant joined the Nets on a sign-and-trade with Golden State. Irving is, for now, scheduled to become a free agent after the season. He wasn't with the Nets for their game Saturday, and by Sunday afternoon, his time in Brooklyn appeared to be at an end. That was one of many drama-filled sagas that marked Irving's time with the Nets. It will become complete once the teams have a call with the NBA, which is standard for all trades.

With Kyrie Irving now traded to the Dallas Mavericks, his Brooklyn Nets tenure is being eulogized across the NBA world — and former Boston Celtics ...

Fast forward to a year after Irving’s departure from Boston, and you’ll see another team that made it to at least the conference finals. While it’s taken Cleveland a while to get back to relevancy, it was James’ departure that collapsed the Cavs. When Kyrie forced the Cleveland Cavaliers front office’s hand with his trade demand, the team was still able to make the following season’s Finals being led by LeBron James and a host of role players.

The Brooklyn Nets have traded All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, whose tenure with the club included dozens of missed games due in part to his refusal to get the ...

He ended up missing eight games. Irving, who reportedly requested to be dealt before the NBA's Feb. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

The latest stop in the Kyrie Irving roadshow appears to be Texas, after the Brooklyn Nets reportedly agreed to trade the point guard to the Dallas ...

At the age of 23, he is already a four-time All-Star and is averaging 33.4 points per game this season, the second best figure in the league. This season he is averaging 27.1 points per game and was named a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Doncic, meanwhile, is considered one of the most talented young players in the league. He is an eight-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game last season, albeit with reduced playing time. Durant’s future in Brooklyn has also been under scrutiny and it remains to be seen what effect Irving’s departure will have on the future Hall of Famer. He has suffered from injuries, missed large parts of last season due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and [was suspended by the Nets](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/03/kyrie-irving-suspended-brooklyn-nets-antisemitic-beliefs) this season after posting a link to an antisemitic film and then initially refusing to apologize.

The Mavericks know Kyrie Irving comes with questions. But they also know they couldn't wait for the future to maximize the Luka Dončić era.

Dallas also made sure to hold onto rookie guard [Jaden Hardy](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jaden-hardy-qVOzeYX5dZEWtfyp/), a raw combo guard who currently has minor trade value, but meaningful upside in the coming seasons. Without Dončić, Irving is much more likely to replicate league-average offense output in the same manner he did in Brooklyn, where the lineups with him and without [Kevin Durant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-durant-ho6h1sijyi2PAURU/) averaged 116.7 points per 100 possessions this season — nearly 10 points more than the Dončić-less lineups have done this year in Dallas. For all of Irving’s unmistakable talent on the basketball court, it matters little if he’s not on it. But there are other, more fraught paths that exist in this deal that the Mavericks made on Sunday. In the wake of this trade, league sources believe the Mavericks wouldn’t have traded two starters for Irving if they didn’t have plans to re-sign him this summer. Irving has only played 143 games over the past four seasons thanks to a combination of injuries, suspensions and policy violations. In trading for Irving — and doing so one year after dealing away [Kristaps Porzingis](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kristaps-porziis-iXclBS6oo11am7Ru/) — Harrison has chosen his first team-building test. It was a decisive, proactive move that the Mavericks’ front office chose to reshape its roster around Luka Dončić, [something that was inevitable](https://theathletic.com/4115589/2023/01/23/mavericks-trade-rumors-luka-doncic/) at some point. The team’s 23rd-ranked defense won’t be helped by Irving’s addition or the departure of Finney-Smith, though the Mavericks hope to bolster it with another trade later this week. [unstoppable dilemma](https://theathletic.com/4023901/2023/01/04/luka-doncic-mavericks-defense-scheme-pointless/) who caused coaching staffs to become too frazzled to even strategize against. But the crux of the Mavericks’ decision to trade for Irving came down to a fairly simple point: They’d rather deal with those questions now, ones attached to the most talented teammate Dončić has ever played with, than future questions they cannot and would not know until (or if) another opportunity appeared. Now the team has replaced Dinwiddie for Irving, an offensive marvel just as dangerous playing off the ball than with it.

But the Dallas Mavericks swooped in on Sunday and quickly put together a package of Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 unprotected first-round draft ...

Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai wasn't about to bow to the commands of wantaway superstar Kyrie Irving. Irving rocked the NBA landscape when his trade demand ...

Irving had reportedly threatened to sit out the rest of the season if he was not traded, according to Stephen A. “Kyrie Irving is prepared to sit out the rest of the season if need be,” Smith said before the Mavericks trade was locked in. After becoming the ninth player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club and the fourth to do so while averaging 25 points a game, Irving refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19, preventing him from playing or practising with the Nets for a two-month stretch. Irving had reportedly threatened to sit out the remainder of the season if his demand to be traded was not met. Landing in California to be alongside “The King” was said to be the top priority for Irving, but Tsai wasn’t having it. Irving rocked the NBA landscape when his trade demand to get out of Brooklyn was revealed.

The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly agreed to trade Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, according to multiple reports. The Nets reportedly will receive ...

He was not with Brooklyn for its game Saturday night, with the team saying he was injured and that he was excused from being at the arena. [February 5, 2023] The Nets reportedly will receive Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and future picks in the deal.

And Luka Doncic is getting another All-Star to help him in Dallas. The Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets agreed Sunday on a blockbuster trade: Irving — the super- ...

Irving signed as a free agent while Durant joined the Nets on a sign-and-trade with Golden State. Irving is, for now, scheduled to become a free agent after the season. That was one of many drama-filled sagas that marked Irving’s time with the Nets. “He’s used to seeing so many different defenses, so many different roles that he’s played, I’m sure, overseas. He wasn't with the Nets for their game Saturday, and by Sunday afternoon, his time in Brooklyn appeared to be at an end. He wouldn’t get vaccinated against COVID-19 and, because of New York City workplace rules, had to miss most of Brooklyn’s home games last season. “I think first, we’ve got to discuss just how long he’s been playing professional basketball. It will become complete once the teams have a call with the NBA, which is standard for all trades. Irving is averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds this season. The Mavericks play at Utah on Monday night. And I think for Dallas, they got a big-time star to go with the one they’ve got.” I think that’s important to do.

Adding Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant hasn't led to a conference finals berth, much less a championship. After meeting Irving's trade request, the Nets are ...

[asked for a trade in June](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/30/sports/basketball/kevin-durant-trade-demand-nets.html) and was given permission to seek one, but couldn’t find one to which the Nets would agree. [some irony](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/24/sports/basketball/nets-disastrous-deal-with-the-celtics-keeps-getting-worse.html) to the Nets’ being eliminated by the Celtics. The [Boston Celtics swept the Nets](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/25/sports/basketball/nets-eliminated-celtics-sweep.html) out of the first round of the 2022 playoffs. In 2013, the Nets gave up five players, three first-round picks and the option to swap another first-round pick for four players, including [Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/sports/the-nets-go-big-bold-and-old.html). It’s possible that once he’s healthy he will lead the Nets to a strong finish this season. Do the sources know the information? And so, for the past three and a half years, the Nets firmly set their sights on a championship that, they believed, the arrivals of Irving and Durant had put within reach. They gave up a king’s ransom to do it: The package included three first-round picks, four pick swaps and Jarrett Allen, a talented young center who has found success, including an All-Star selection, in Cleveland. In return, the Nets will receive two players, a distant first-round draft pick and multiple second-round picks. “I’m consistently in the lineup, that helps,” Irving said. Having superstar talent is the only surefire way to win a championship in the N.B.A. After meeting Irving’s trade request, the Nets are once again in a state of uncertainty.

Fallout from the Mavs-Nets megadeal might be felt this week ... or maybe this summer.

[Dāvis Bertāns](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/dvis-bertns-0isdLTfkZ7z8J9Hb/) and/or [Tim Hardaway Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tim-hardaway-jr-XTVgkXYgkNjL4k2I/) to bring more defensive and/or 3-point shooting talent to surround Dončić and Irving. [Luka Dončić](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/luka-doncic-gMyReUOesjAikT7S/). [Kevin Durant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-durant-ho6h1sijyi2PAURU/). much as happened with [James Harden](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/james-harden-xj359Qh34ugWFbVp/) in Brooklyn. They also have expiring contracts ( [Dwight Powell](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/dwight-powell-BhTxjrEIUSrtsBS0/), [Frank Ntilikina](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/frank-ntilikina-ED8ru3pDGnaPdwH9/), a partially guaranteed [Reggie Bullock](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/reggie-bullock-ikD8UAkJCkf8mvyF/) and perhaps even [Christian Wood](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/christian-wood-9N0XSWw21RX1pkVk/)) to put on the table with a future first to get win-now help for the Luka-Kyrie pairing. Again, they are all in whether or not they like it, and part of the prize here is that they got two real players for Irving rather than just, say, picks from the Lakers. That Nets team would be limping into the summer with a soon-to-be-35, not-terribly-happy franchise centerpiece in Durant, and the prospect of owing picks and swaps to [Houston](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/rockets/) through 2027 boxing out any tanking scenarios. Irving is arguably the league’s most brilliant finisher, a whirling shake-and-bake ankle breaker off the bounce and a knockdown shooter off the catch or the dribble (39.1 percent career from beyond the arc). His money free-throw shooting (88.2 percent career) also offers Dallas a strong end-game option, especially since that’s the weak link in Dončić’s offensive game. Between age, ability and contract, he has more trade value than any other player in the association. Given the fact that Durant already demanded a trade once, and that he’s for the moment marooned as the only All-Star (not even the most die-hard [Nets](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/nets/) fan can muster a hopeful “ [Ben Simmons](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/ben-simmons-xfSMIwcIYOvLWzUw/)?”) on an old team without much draft capital, his situation warrants monitoring. [the Kyrie Irving trade](https://theathletic.com/4158002/2023/02/05/kyrie-irving-trade-nets-mavericks/) that nobody is quite thinking about just yet: I expect teams to be very guarded with their future first-round picks this week, much more so than they would have been oh, say, Sunday morning.

The deal for the Nets guard would have been an all-in move, but there's still time for a Los Angeles team that routinely feels a pull to be responsible in ...

It's just another way this entire scenario for the Lakers is unique and ripe for awkwardness. Even with owing a first-round pick to the In this vein, the Lakers are routinely feeling a pull to be responsible in trade talks. The Mavericks, on the other hand, live in a different world. The Nets moved on to make the deal with Dallas. And again, the Lakers aren't in any way a textbook case. This would have protected the team from Irving, regardless of what he might say now, wanting to leave this summer. The Western Conference is as erratic and uncertain as it has been in decades, leaving even a team sitting in 13th place in February, as the Lakers (25-29) are, honestly believing it isn't out of a postseason push. The Lakers, sources said, did discuss the two first-round picks they have available to move, 2027 and 2029, in talks with the Nets, and that is an indication of their serious intent to make a deal. Their season is saturated with extenuating circumstances, and it's weighing on them in the wake of This is what is known: The offer the Nets accepted from the Mavericks included two quality starters, In a vacuum, this is a very healthy way for a franchise to operate with its superstar.

Kyrie Irving is headed to Dallas, just days after he requested a trade out of Brooklyn.

Irving, 30, joins MVP candidate Luka Dončić in Dallas, where they'll form the league's most ball-dominant backcourt.

When asked on Saturday if Irving could turn the Lakers into title contenders, James said, " [That's a duh question](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-says-its-obvious-kyrie-irving-could-turn-lakers-into-a-title-contender-thats-a-duh-question/)." That is, unless Durant demands they trade him, too ( [MVP candidate Luka Dončić](https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-feb-3-2023-edition) in Dallas, where they'll form the league's most ball-dominant backcourt. They ended up with the Wild stat: Irving and Kevin Durant signed with the Nets in the summer of 2019. If Brooklyn didn't make a deal, they risked losing him for nothing in free agency.

Brooklyn chose the Mavericks' package to remain competitive this season.

[Phoenix Suns](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/PHO/phoenix-suns/), a team that has taken a considerable skid after [Devin Booker](/nba/players/2152529/devin-booker/) went down with a groin injury, they wanted to upgrade their point guard position with [Chris Paul](/nba/players/555969/chris-paul/) feeling the effects of Father Time. The Suns offered the Nets a package around Paul, [Jae Crowder](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jae-crowder-0vLcUgtCxJK833Re/) and one first-round pick, but Charania reports that Brooklyn would've wanted three first-round picks in total. The team reportedly offered the Nets a package that included both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, [according to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes](https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1622416002922450945), in addition to [Russell Westbrook](/nba/players/1622555/russell-westbrook/), per The Athletic's Shams Charania. The Clippers needed another contract to add to that deal in order for it to work financially, but nothing ever came of it. But the Nets informed the Lakers that it would take including both [Austin Reaves](/nba/players/2268681/austin-reaves/) and [Max Christie](/nba/players/26776121/max-christie/), in addition to pick swaps on top of their original deal, to land Irving. [Dallas Mavericks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/DAL/dallas-mavericks/) sent shockwaves around the league when they [traded for Kyrie Irving](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-mavericks-land-nets-all-star-for-spencer-dinwiddie-dorian-finney-smith-first-round-pick/) Sunday afternoon.

The deal for the Nets guard would have been an all-in move, but there's still time for a Los Angeles team that routinely feels a pull to be responsible in ...

It's just another way this entire scenario for the Lakers is unique and ripe for awkwardness. Even with owing a first-round pick to the In this vein, the Lakers are routinely feeling a pull to be responsible in trade talks. The Mavericks, on the other hand, live in a different world. The Nets moved on to make the deal with Dallas. And again, the Lakers aren't in any way a textbook case. This would have protected the team from Irving, regardless of what he might say now, wanting to leave this summer. The Western Conference is as erratic and uncertain as it has been in decades, leaving even a team sitting in 13th place in February, as the Lakers (25-29) are, honestly believing it isn't out of a postseason push. The Lakers, sources said, did discuss the two first-round picks they have available to move, 2027 and 2029, in talks with the Nets, and that is an indication of their serious intent to make a deal. Their season is saturated with extenuating circumstances, and it's weighing on them in the wake of This is what is known: The offer the Nets accepted from the Mavericks included two quality starters, In a vacuum, this is a very healthy way for a franchise to operate with its superstar.

The Athletic will have plenty of coverage breaking down what the deal means for the Mavericks and Nets. Here, we have assembled a group of writers to predict ...

[Al Horford](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/al-horford-1bdxkLwov50QIyiQ/) and [Robert Williams](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/robert-williams-LEhMNrHYNoFDLqTs/). [Seth Curry](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/seth-curry-g515ypMRd3oGYaB6/) and [Joe Harris](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/joe-harris-QESU2aIXmpGRn50l/) along with, as you said, their recently acquired picks to upgrade the roster. This is a team that can survive and probably win a round in their current state because of Durant’s greatness but the trouble is going to be in round two and beyond, unless the Nets redirect that pick or Finney-Smith somewhere else to get a strong supporting star alongside Durant. 1 — the Jacque Vaughn era — the Nets are plus-nine-points-per-100-possessions when Durant is on the floor and Irving is off (thanks, Cleaning the Glass). With Durant, Finney-Smith, [Ben Simmons](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/ben-simmons-xfSMIwcIYOvLWzUw/) and [Nic Claxton](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/nic-claxton-47D5hSormvUQWaZj/), the Nets should have one of the league’s best defensive frontcourts. The Boston Celtics have beaten the Nets 10 straight games and the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/sixers/) have the edge this season as well. Would the [Toronto Raptors](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/raptors/) be another, Eric? The position in question for Cleveland has been the wing and to see if there is anyone available who is a true upgrade at that spot. The dominoes from the Irving trade could spur more activity around the league, but the Celtics like what they have around [Jayson Tatum](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jayson-tatum-3O7MInr4zV5KKhZ5/) and [Jaylen Brown](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jaylen-brown-EAiBkBxmqCrObLg7/). As for the Raptors, this season has to have had a cooling impact on their interest in Durant. [Celtics](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/celtics/) beat writer: Wow. After a slow start, the Nets had looked like a contender recently whenever [Kevin Durant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-durant-ho6h1sijyi2PAURU/) was healthy.

Rarely does a franchise lose a generational talent like Kyrie Irving and get better. But could that be the case for Brooklyn?

[John Collins](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/dayron-sharpe-playerhttps://www.foxsports.com/nba/john-collins-player)? [2023 NBA trade grades: How did Mavericks, Nets do in Kyrie Irving deal?](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2023-nba-trade-deadline-grades) [Mavericks, Mark Cuban gamble big with Kyrie Irving trade](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/mavericks-mark-cuban-gamble-big-with-kyrie-irving-trade) [When will LeBron pass Kareem? Follow him on Twitter [@YaronWeitzman](https://twitter.com/YaronWeitzman). [Cam Thomas](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/cameron-thomas-player) and/or [Day’Ron Sharpe](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/dayron-sharpe-player), though, and they might have something. [Philadelphia 76ers](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers-team), and see if they can find another upgrade. Maybe they’ll see if someone is interested in [Ben Simmons](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/ben-simmons-player), though that’s doubtful. [Brooklyn Nets’](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/brooklyn-nets-team) basketball staff gathered in the team’s training center. Could that be enough to get one of the [Toronto Raptors’](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/toronto-raptors-team) veterans? More notable, though, was the Nets’ ability to pry away from the Mavs an unprotected 2029 first-round pick (which just so happens to be two years after [Luka Dončić's](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/luka-doncic-player) current contract expires). ["glaring"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28493556/kyrie-irving-says-team-needs-glaring-nets-fall-76ers) need to add more talent. He was a few months from free agency and, in his eyes, the Nets’ refusal to gift him a four-year, max extension was a reason to go now. Or the time he promoted an antisemitic film on his social media accounts and then, in an even more galling display, not only refused to apologize but also repeatedly defended the action.

The Nets traded Irving for Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and multiple draft picks on Sunday.

Kyrie and Luka fire though. I like Kyrie to the Mavs. He wasn't the only one surprised, as multiple other players -- current and former -- expressed their surprise on social media. Wow!" "The NBA gonna NBA.. [February 5, 2023] "(Love) this League." "When @ShamsCharania says it's time to go you pack your bags," Dinwiddie tweeted. After Charania broke the news, Dinwiddie -- who played for the Nets from 2016-21 -- was one of the first to comment on the situation. He is doing so while shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. The 30-year-old brings plenty of experience with an NBA championship under his belt ( [Kyrie Irving](/nba/players/1779901/kyrie-irving/) is officially leaving the [Brooklyn Nets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BKN/brooklyn-nets/) to [join forces with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-mavericks-land-nets-all-star-for-spencer-dinwiddie-dorian-finney-smith-first-round-pick/).

Adding Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant hasn't led to a conference finals berth, much less a championship. After meeting Irving's trade request, the Nets are ...

[asked for a trade in June](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/30/sports/basketball/kevin-durant-trade-demand-nets.html) and was given permission to seek one, but couldn’t find one to which the Nets would agree. [some irony](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/24/sports/basketball/nets-disastrous-deal-with-the-celtics-keeps-getting-worse.html) to the Nets’ being eliminated by the Celtics. The [Boston Celtics swept the Nets](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/25/sports/basketball/nets-eliminated-celtics-sweep.html) out of the first round of the 2022 playoffs. In 2013, the Nets gave up five players, three first-round picks and the option to swap another first-round pick for four players, including [Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/sports/the-nets-go-big-bold-and-old.html). It’s possible that once he’s healthy he will lead the Nets to a strong finish this season. They gave up a king’s ransom to do it: The package included three first-round picks, four pick swaps and Jarrett Allen, a talented young center who has found success, including an All-Star selection, in Cleveland. And so, for the past three and a half years, the Nets firmly set their sights on a championship that, they believed, the arrivals of Irving and Durant had put within reach. In return, the Nets will receive two players, a distant first-round draft pick and multiple second-round picks. “I’m consistently in the lineup, that helps,” Irving said. Having superstar talent is the only surefire way to win a championship in the N.B.A. They were winning games, Irving seemed to be in a good place, and even Durant’s knee injury, while detrimental, wasn’t catastrophic. After meeting Irving’s trade request, the Nets are once again in a state of uncertainty.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is headed to the Dallas Mavericks via trade, according to multiple reports.

He has missed the last 12 games with a sprained MCL. Prior to the trade deadline last year, the Nets had a trio of Durant, Irving and James Harden, with Durant the last man standing. He rescinded the request — saying he was committed to Brooklyn — and dominated much of the first half of the season to earn an All-Star Game starter spot.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis, second from left, attempts to block Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, during the second half of an NBA ...

The Irving trade was a big one, but what’s bigger is what Marks does next because that will have a dramatic impact on the franchise’s future. And that includes using the draft picks acquired in the trade with Dallas or potentially trading Spencer Dinwiddie or Dorian Finney-Smith. The vultures have already started to circle, with the Phoenix Suns already putting it out there that they would be ready to make a move for Irving if he becomes available. There are still three days until the NBA trade deadline, but Brooklyn would likely be inclined to trade Durant over the summer if it got to that point with their franchise cornerstone rather than trying to trade him before the 3 p.m. He did request a trade out of Brooklyn over the summer after tiring of some of the things going on with the organization and concerns about its direction. However, the looming questions remain regarding Kevin Durant’s future with the Nets and what general manager Sean Marks will do in the short and long for the franchise.

LeBron James said that while he was disappointed by the Lakers losing out on trading for Kyrie Irving, his focus has shifted to "where it should be and ...

"Well, I mean for me it is challenging, but I'm 10 toes down so I understand that once I show up to work, or once I show up to the job description -- and that's being a leader of the ballclub every single day -- there's no [question for] me on what my mindset is," he said. is currently 25-29, 13th in the Western Conference but only three games out of the No. Is there things I can do to be greater at to not only help the ballclub and everybody all automatically think it's basketball, but it's in life in general. My focus is shifted back to where it should be and that's this club now and what we have in the locker room." James, 38, signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with Los Angeles in the offseason that will keep him under contract through the 2024-25 season, should he pick up his option on the final year. I kind of envision myself on what it can, but I don't invest it all the way into it until I know it's happening. "But my focus is shifted now. Is there things I can do more? I think your greatest challenge and your greatest enemy is the person that you look in the mirror. I don't get too excited about the possibilities of things that can be. However, the Lakers also got the impression that Nets governor Joe Tsai was reluctant to trade Irving to L.A., which was believed to be Irving's preferred destination, after a tumultuous tenure with the talented point guard, sources told ESPN. [Russell Westbrook](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3468/russell-westbrook) and their two future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029, sources told ESPN.

The Mavericks have even more defensive issues after trading for Irving.

The trade to land Irving certainly gives Dallas that secondary shot creator it so desperately needed, but in doing so it got even worse on defense. But similar to the other guys on this list, Kuzma will be in high demand if he's made available. His minutes could be staggered with Doncic and Irving so that there's at least one plus-defender in the backcourt, and his defensive intensity on the floor makes his teammates want to play up to his level. They could offer both of their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, and young guys like [Josh Green](/nba/players/3148154/josh-green/) or [Jaden Hardy](/nba/players/26819214/jaden-hardy/), but there's other teams in the league that could offer something better, so it would take a lot for the Mavericks to land him. The Mavs have the 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to dangle, and could attach the likes of Hardy or Green to sweeten the pot for the Bulls. If Chicago does trade Caruso, Dallas could certainly be in the mix to land him. Caruso has been mentioned in trade rumors leading up to Thursday's deadline, but it's unclear what the Bulls want in return for him, or if they even want to shop him. [NBA](/nba/) trade deadline, so the Mavericks still have time to address the glaring need for defensive-minded players. This is wishful thinking for the Mavericks primarily because every contending team in the league would love to have Anunoby on their roster. [Raptors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/TOR/toronto-raptors/) already turned down a reported deal for Anunoby that would've landed them three first-round picks. While Irving's offensive talents are undeniable, the fit next to [Luka Doncic](/nba/players/2900426/luka-doncic/) is questionable, and something Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd will have to figure out if this team wants to succeed. However, the bigger questions come on the defensive side of the ball, where Dallas already ranked near the bottom of the league prior to this deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers are desperate. Everybody knows it, and no one is about to bail them out.

LeBron James admitted he's "definitely disappointed" the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to land Kyrie Irving ahead of the NBA trade deadline. With Irving.

Russell Westbrook has been dealt multiple times across his career and served as a lightning rod for criticism from the moment he arrived ahead of last season. LeBron sat down with @RealMikeWilbon to share his thoughts on the Lakers not being able to trade for his former teammate Kyrie Irving:

"I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent." But it wasn't as simple as James rallying together with Los Angeles' young core and making a push for the postseason.

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill reacts to the blockbuster move - as Brooklyn sends the point guard to Dallas in a trade that could shake up ...

The 2023 NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Teams now have three days to finalize their remaining business before the trade market is closed for the ...

[Jordan Clarkson](/nba/players/2135523/jordan-clarkson/) and [Mike Conley](/nba/players/1231861/mike-conley/), whom just about everyone expected to be on new teams by this point. [Wizards](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/WAS/washington-wizards/) want to keep Beal, Kuzma Beal seems content in D.C., however, and the Wizards have no interest in trading him, [according to The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/4158560/2023/02/06/wizards-trade-deadline-intel/). In addition to his importance on the floor, they see Conley as a vital part of the locker room, and the point guard and his family are happy in Salt Lake City. [Jazz](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/UTA/utah-jazz/) have turned down offers for Conley [Heat](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIA/miami-heat/) open to moving Lowry [according to Bobby Marks](https://twitter.com/NickFriedell/status/1622605334400344066). [Kyle Lowry](/nba/players/1113164/kyle-lowry/), who has been hampered by a knee problem and struggled when he has been on the floor. For all the talent on the roster, they have not been able to put things together, and with more than half of the season now gone they are still stuck under .500 at 25-27 -- a mark that has them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. [Kyrie Irving](/nba/players/1779901/kyrie-irving/) to the Mavericks on Sunday, there are all sorts of questions about where they go from here. [Stein added](https://twitter.com/thesteinline/status/1622712198249283603?s=46&t=MilULIHXBS-NwSSVllChcw) that the Nets were interested in Toronto's [Pascal Siakam](/nba/players/2157611/pascal-siakam/) as well, but that one was always unlikely. Given the fact that he isn't playing much, the Sixers wouldn't be opposed to moving Korkmaz, but it's fair to wonder what they could get in return for the forward given the fact that his trade value isn't very high.

The blockbuster deal with Brooklyn sending the mercurial Irving to the Mavericks became official Monday, two days before what figures to be his Dallas debut at ...

He wants to win any game of the week, that's why he loves to play, that's why he wants to play 82 games. It was part of the massive fallout from Irving posting a link to an antisemitic film on his Twitter account. "I will forever be grateful I got to live out my dream I had as a Kid with y'all. 2 scorer in [Christian Wood](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3058254/christian-wood) in the offseason, they haven't been able to win without Doncic this season. That was one of many drama-filled sagas that marked Irving's time with the Nets. He is expected to return just prior to or after the mid-February All-Star break. [Jalen Brunson](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934672/jalen-brunson) was crucial to Dallas' playoff run alongside Doncic last season but decided he wanted his own starting role as a point guard and left for the [New York Knicks](/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks) in free agency. "At the end of the day, Kevin wants to win," Vaughn said. A year ago, the Mavericks were right around .500 when their surge started just as the calendar turned to 2022. He wasn't with the Mavs at the start of a five-game trip out West after bruising his right heel in the final home game before the trip. Dallas is in a group of nine teams that started the day within one loss of each other. He was ruled out of the second game on the trip at Utah on Monday night.

LeBron James said that while he was disappointed by the Lakers losing out on trading for Kyrie Irving, his focus has shifted to "where it should be and ...

"Well, I mean for me it is challenging, but I'm 10 toes down so I understand that once I show up to work, or once I show up to the job description -- and that's being a leader of the ballclub every single day -- there's no [question for] me on what my mindset is," he said. Is there things I can do to be greater at to not only help the ballclub and everybody all automatically think it's basketball, but it's in life in general. All you can do is put your head down and do your work and try to remain as professional as possible and he's done that." is currently 25-29, 13th in the Western Conference but only three games out of the No. I think your greatest challenge and your greatest enemy is the person that you look in the mirror. "I only deal with Lakers business," Ham said. I kind of envision myself on what it can, but I don't invest it all the way into it until I know it's happening. And that's all you can do for any of us," Ham said of Westbrook. I don't get too excited about the possibilities of things that can be. My focus is shifted back to where it should be and that's this club now and what we have in the locker room." However, the Lakers also got the impression that Nets governor Joe Tsai was reluctant to trade Irving to L.A., which was believed to be Irving's preferred destination, after a tumultuous tenure with the talented point guard, sources told ESPN. [Russell Westbrook](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3468/russell-westbrook) and their two future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029, sources told ESPN.

Matt Moore of Action Network saw an uncanny similarity between Kyrie Irving's Dallas Mavericks situation and another Boston Celtics point guard's.

The signs point to an ending in Dallas similar to the ending of Irving’s time in Boston and Brooklyn: ringless. to reshuffle the deck in the offseason. With Dallas trading two valuable contributors in Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Nets for Irving, the Mavericks are not a deep team.

Yahoo Sports will track all the trade rumors, news, players and teams to watch leading up to the deadline at 3 p.m. ET Thursday.

The Dallas Mavericks trade with the Brooklyn Nets for star guard Kyrie Irving was made official on Monday.

He wants to win any game of the week, that's why he loves to play, that's why he wants to play 82 games. It was part of the massive fallout from Irving posting a link to an antisemitic film on his Twitter account. "I will forever be grateful I got to live out my dream I had as a Kid with y'all. 2 scorer in [Christian Wood](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3058254/christian-wood) in the offseason, they haven't been able to win without Doncic this season. That was one of many drama-filled sagas that marked Irving's time with the Nets. He is expected to return just prior to or after the mid-February All-Star break. [Jalen Brunson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934672/jalen-brunson) was crucial to Dallas' playoff run alongside Doncic last season but decided he wanted his own starting role as a point guard and left for the [New York Knicks](/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks) in free agency. "At the end of the day, Kevin wants to win," Vaughn said. A year ago, the Mavericks were right around .500 when their surge started just as the calendar turned to 2022. He wasn't with the Mavs at the start of a five-game trip out West after bruising his right heel in the final home game before the trip. Dallas is in a group of nine teams that started the day within one loss of each other. He was ruled out of the second game on the trip at Utah on Monday night.

In the blockbuster deal for the eight-time All-Star, Dallas also received forward Markieff Morris from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for guard Spencer Dinwiddie ...

If everything works out, there’s a path for Irving to stay in Dallas long term, but given his history on and off the court, that’s a big if. With Irving gone, the Mavericks could potentially free up more than $25 million in cap space thanks to several expiring contracts, including those of Markieff Morris, Frank Ntilikina, Theo Pinson and Dwight Powell. Irving is in the final year of a four-year, $136.49 million contract that he signed with the Nets in the summer of 2019. However, he is eligible for a five-year, $272.92 million maximum contract if he re-signs with the Mavericks. He’ll walk, and the Mavericks will return to square one. Currently, the Mavericks could offer Irving a two-year, $86.24 million extension, which is well below his market value—even considering his health and off-court issues.