Newly acquired Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving made his Dallas debut Wednesday night, and afterward he lobbed a barb at the Nets in reaction to the overnight trade of Kevin Durant to the Suns.
In another blockbuster deal reminiscent of Irving’s recent move to Dallas, Brooklyn completed the dismantling of its former big three almost a year to the day after dealing James Harden to the 76ers. After his Mavericks debut, Irving threw his support behind Durant while subtly jabbing his former team.
“It’s not the first time we’ll be in competition as brothers,” Irving said. “I’m just praying for his happiness and praying for his well-being. We had a lot of conversations throughout the year of what our futures were going to look like. There was still a level of uncertainty. But we just cared about seeing each other be places that we can thrive whether that be together, whether that be apart.
“There has never been one moment where I felt like he’s been angry at me for decisions I’ve made or I’ve been angry at him. We just tried to understand each other a lot better and grow as human beings, grow as brothers. This business changes so quickly. He’s getting a little bit older. I’m getting a little bit older.
“I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference, and I welcome all that. Get to see him a little bit more, probably playing against Phoenix a lot more. That’s what I’m looking forward to, everything else in the in-between, I just am glad that he got out of there.”
Irving’s comments seem to confirm the heavily reported dysfunction within the Brooklyn franchise. What was meant to be a championship team consisting of Irving, Durant and Harden came apart at the seams in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple injuries. The trio only played in 16 games together, posting a 13–3 record.
Harden was the first piece to fall, traded away to the 76ers in a massive Feb. 10, 2022, deal that brought embattled point guard Ben Simmons to Brooklyn. Irving, alongside Markieff Morris, was dealt on Sunday to the Mavericks for three draft picks, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Finally, the Nets reportedly sent Durant and TJ Warren to the Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In Irving’s Dallas debut Wednesday night, he scored 24 points on five assists and four rebounds in a 110-104 win over the Clippers. The Mavericks and Durant’s Suns are tied for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and are set to meet on March 5.
