Kyrie Irving sent one final message to Brooklyn Nets fans on Monday after the reported trade to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday put a cap on a bizarre rollercoaster of an era for the point guard.
“Thank you NetsWorld fans and supporters for the Love on and off the court,” he tweeted. “I will forever be grateful I got to live out my dream I had as a Kid with y’all. It will always be Love from me and my family.”
Brooklyn reportedly agreed to a trade with Dallas for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and a handful of draft picks. Irving signed with Brooklyn in the summer of 2019, with Kevin Durant. However, the game-changing signings only yielded one playoff series victory.
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, #11, looks for an opening against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, #9, in the second half at TD Garden in Boston Feb. 1, 2023. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Irving’s tenure with the Nets was tumultuous at best. In 143 games in four seasons, Irving averaged 27.1 points, 5.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
NETS TRADE KYRIE IRVING TO MAVERICKS IN BLOCKBUSTER DEAL: REPORTS
The point guard was rumored to be a piece in trade talks with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, NBA journalist Marc Stein reported that Brooklyn team owner Joe Tsai refused to send him to LA. The move would have reunited him with LeBron James.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith, #10, drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig, #0, in the second half at Footprint Center in Phoenix Jan. 26, 2023. (Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)
James and Irving teamed up to win the 2016 NBA championship after coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to stun the Golden State Warriors. However, a bizarre breakup would shortly follow, and Cleveland would trade Irving to the Boston Celtics.
James appeared to have a three-word tweet about the whole ordeal.
“Maybe It’s Me,” he wrote.
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, #11, reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix Jan. 19, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Whatever it is, Brooklyn is entering a new era for the franchise.
