The Kyrie Irving trade has gone from proposed to official. But it doesn’t mean the Nets’ work is done.
Faced with having to move Irving, they shipped the All-Star and Markieff Morris to Dallas for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and second-rounders in 2027 and 2029. But they’re still searching for ways to improve before Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline, a search that could include Toronto.
“We’re excited to add Spencer and Dorian to our roster, while also securing draft compensation that will increase our flexibility moving forward,” said GM Sean Marks, who may use that flexibility over the next couple of days, reportedly eyeing the likes of OG Anunoby or even Pascal Siakam.
“Spencer is a dynamic, multitalented guard who we are very familiar with from his previous stint in Brooklyn. Dorian is an experienced wing who brings perimeter shooting and defensive versatility to our group. Together, the two players will fit seamlessly with our roster and provide the team with proven veteran talent.”
The Nets tried to fold a third team into a larger trade but will now look to make a separate deal.
“My interactions with Ky have always been positive. I enjoyed coaching him. I want him to succeed. I’ll keep it that simple,” coach Jacque Vaughn said. “We’ve had some ups and downs I guess along the way. I’ve also seen the young man score 60 points. I’ve also seen him bring his kids into the locker room.
“I’ve also seen him grow as an individual and be a better teammate than when I first met him. So for me, I’m going to always look at the good in people and want the good in people, and I want him to succeed. He’s no longer with us, but I appreciate his time.”
This is a homecoming for Dinwiddie, who spent five seasons in Brooklyn from 2016-21. He’s averaging 17.7 points and 5.3 assists, shooting a career-high 40.5 percent from deep.
“Spence, my first year playing with Spence was good for me. He really looked for me out on the court and now I’m 10 times better than I was then. So I’m looking forward to playing with him and that will be fun,” said Nic Claxton. “I linked with him over the summers. We don’t communicate every day, but he’s a guy whose familiar with everything here and the staff. It will be a seamless fit.”
Finney-Smith — who spent his first six-plus seasons in Dallas — is averaging 8.3 points and 4.6 boards, and provides stout defense at both forward spots.
“He’ll definitely add another wing defender. That will be good for us having him out there,” said Claxton. “Playing against him the last few years, he’s a real 3-and-D defender. He’ll fit right in for sure.”
If he sticks. Even Finney-Smith acknowledged that he might get rerouted again before Thursday’s deadline. He can only be traded one-for-one.
“It makes you feel good that the league sees the work that I’ve put in. But you never know. We’ve still got four more days and you never know what can happen,” Finney-Smith told the Dallas Morning News.
The Nets rejected Toronto’s offer of a first-round pick for Claxton, and the Raptors have maintained their interest — although the center’s price has skyrocketed. They’ve also shown interest in Dinwiddie, although Yahoo reported that the Nets are likely to hold onto their newly reacquired guard.
Still, Anunoby was a name that was mentioned as a potential target, and the Nets reportedly have interest in Siakam, according to Marc Stein.
TJ Warren (left shin contusion) was available. Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) was out, but expected to play Tuesday vs. Phoenix.