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Brooklyn Nets on thin ice after trading Kyrie Irving

By Leocciano Callao

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets is announced before the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets is announced before the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving is heading to Dallas, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday, Feb. 5. The Brooklyn Nets will receive Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks.

Irving shook the NBA universe when he asked for a trade on Feb. 3. And it took the Nets just over 48 hours to grant his wishes.

Irving has been essential to the Nets’ success and was starting to win over fans in Brooklyn while Kevin Durant is out due to injury. While in good spirits, Irving, a free agent this summer, asked for a long-term extension, but the Nets front office was not willing to commit.

Several candidates emerged to land the 30-year-old once his demands were made public, including the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns. Both teams in Los Angeles appeared to be favorites as they have important people and relationships with Irving (LeBron James with the Lakers and Tyronn Lue with the Clippers). Irving did not play on Saturday at home against the Washington Wizards. The Nets reported that he would sit out until a deal was made, and while there was a glimmer of hope for him to remain in Brooklyn, all signs pointed toward the exit. Just hours later, Kyrie Irving is a Maverick.

Irving now becomes the help Dallas’ poster boy Luka Doncic has needed all season. Currently sixth in the Western Conference, Irving and Doncic have the second half of the season to elevate the Mavs higher before the playoffs. This pairing may very well be the best backcourt in the league.

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As for the Nets, “hello drama, we meet again.” We do not know what to expect. Everybody wants to know what’s going on in Kevin Durant’s mind, and I am with you there. Did they pull the block that would make the Jenga tower collapse? Or have they started the process of weeding out the grass? Either way, it is a shame that this happened right when they started to play to their potential.