The Brooklyn Nets traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, yet fans continue talking about what this means for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Even though Irving says he is “ecstatic” to join Luka Doncic and play for the Mavericks, many believe that the All-Star guard is still angling to eventually make his way to Los Angeles.
According to league insider Marc Stein, in fact, one of the “presumed objectives” that Nets owner Joseph Tsai held was to not trade Irving to his “preferred destination” in Los Angeles.
This report clearly caught the attention of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who went as far as to say that Tsai was “petty” for not trading Irving to the Lakers.
Draymond Green calls Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai petty for not trading Kyrie Irving to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/bLXZGKyKXS
— dave (@nbadaves) February 8, 2023
Here is what Green had to say when he broached the subject on his podcast (via The Draymond Green Show):
“As far as the Nets go, I am told that they would not trade him to the Lakers. That is what I call billionaire petty. That is Joe Tsai saying: ‘Listen man. That’s where you want to go? I don’t care if they offer the best deal or not. I can be petty too.’ Billionare petty is a different level of petty. Not very many people can compete with billionare petty.”
For what it is worth: Tsai may not have traded Irving to his preferred destination, though it could have something to do with the fact Los Angeles did not have the best offer.
The Nets were able to get a far better win-now return in Dorian Finney-Smith (who can provide tremendous value) and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Green added that the most interesting thing about the trade was that LeBron James released an interview within 24 hours, in which he surprisingly spoke on the record about his “disappointment” about the non-transaction.
It was interesting to hear Green speak so openly about the Lakers and Nets, especially considering he has never played for either team.
Green has a player option in his contract and could potentially become a free agent at the end of this season. Many fans around the league have wondered about whether or not he will sign with the Lakers so that he can finally play alongside LeBron.
