Mavericks Make Blockbuster Trade to Acquire Eight-Time All-Star Kyrie Irving from Nets

The Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a blockbuster trade, sending eight-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a package of draft picks, according to a person familiar with the terms of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The move comes just two days after Irving, 30, told the Nets that he wanted to be traded by Thursday’s league deadline. The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski were the first to report the news, and CNN reached out to both teams and Irving’s agent to confirm the news but did not immediately receive a response.

The Mavericks gave up Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and draft equity to complete the deal, according to reports. The Nets also reportedly sent Markieff Morris to Dallas in the trade.

Irving has been a controversial figure in the NBA, having initially defended a tweet containing anti-Semitic messages earlier this season. Despite the controversy, Irving is still an eight-time All-Star and one of the most talented point guards in the league.

The Mavericks are hoping that Irving can help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. Irving will join a talented core of players in Dallas, including Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. It remains to be seen how Irving will fit in with the Mavericks, but the team is certainly hoping he can help them reach the next level.