The Nets and Kyrie Irving finally, after years of off-again on-again squabbling and failed counselling, have gotten a divorce. In the process, Brooklyn has also renewed its relationship with an old flame, bringing back Spencer Dinwiddie.
At least four teams had reportedly expressed interest in the 30-year-old superstar guard after he told ownership — but not his teammates — on Friday that he wanted out. In addition to the Mavericks and Lakers, the Suns and Clippers had interest. Mavs GM Nico Harrison, a former Nike executive, coach Jason Kidd, and senior director of pro personnel Matt Riccardi all have longstanding relationships with Irving, no doubt easing any anxiety Mark Cuban may have had about acquiring the often mercurial Dinwiddie.
Still, no word on how the move will sit with Kevin Durant, one of Irving’s best friends and the player who wooed him to Brooklyn. Durant has not commented on Irving’s trade request and Woj reported that KD, like the rest of his teammates, was shocked by the trade request. He did not attend Saturday’s win over the Wizards. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated as early as Monday. In his last comments before the trade request, Durant said he wanted to get back on the court for games prior to the All-Star Game on Febuary 19.
The Nets have three games this week, all at home, vs. the Clippers on Monday, the Suns on Tuesday and the Bulls on Thursday, after the 3:00 p.m. ET trade deadline. There’s been no word on whether the Nets plan other moves before Thursday.
