Kyrie Irving Makes First Statement Since Trade From Nets to Mavericks

The All-Star guard thanked his fans after nearly four years with Brooklyn.

Kyrie Irving was traded to the Mavericks from the Nets in a blockbuster trade on Sunday.

The news came two days after Irving requested a trade. He posted a cryptic tweet on Friday regarding his status, but otherwise he remained relatively quiet on social media over the weekend.

Irving broke his silence early Monday morning when he tweeted a message to fans about his leaving the Nets.

“Thank you NetsWorld fans and supporters for the Love on and off the court,” Irving 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.”

Thank you NetsWorld fans and supporters for the Love on and off the court. 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.
🤞🏾♾

— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) February 6, 2023

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Irving began his tenure in Brooklyn during the 2019–20 season following a two-year stint with the Celtics. In his nearly four seasons with the Nets, the guard was named to two All-Star teams, including this season.

In return for Irving, the Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick and two second-round picks from the Mavs, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

It’s unknown at this time when Irving will make his official first start for the Mavericks, but a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski stated it could be as early as Wednesday against the Clippers in Los Angeles.