Kyrie Irving, currently a guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has been candid about his views on the James Harden trade during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. Speaking recently on a live stream, Irving criticized the Nets’ decision to trade Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers, calling the deal unfair because the return did not equal Harden’s contributions. He also emphasized that sending Harden to a division rival weakened Brooklyn’s position significantly.
Irving highlights impact of losing Harden to a division opponent
Irving explained that trading Harden to Philadelphia, a team in the same division, handed the 76ers a notable edge. He mentioned that the Nets lost multiple key figures, including coach Ime Udoka and an assistant general manager, alongside Harden. Irving stressed how familiarity bred through playing together for years makes players aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, implying that Harden’s move to a familiar opponent complicated Brooklyn’s path forward.
“I didn’t feel like that was a fair trade. But at the time, when it happened, [James Harden] went to our division. He went to Philly…so not only did we lose Ime Udoka…and one of our assistant GMs, but we lost James [Harden] to Philly. So we’re in the same division with our brothers…When you spend a season or two with somebody, you gonna know their habits…their strengths and weaknesses. You know that.” — Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard
Trade details underline Nets’ questionable return for Harden
James Harden averaged 22 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game over 44 contests with the Nets that season before being traded. The deal involved Harden going to the 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, who was sidelined due to a back injury at the time, along with other assets including first-round draft picks. Given Harden’s offensive production, the trade was widely seen as unfavorable for Brooklyn, a team still aiming for a championship.
Irving’s move to Dallas and continued influence on Mavericks’ success
Following the Harden trade fallout, the Nets also sent Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks’ return for Irving was similarly viewed as inadequate compared to his proven talent. Since joining Dallas, Irving has become one of the franchise’s key players, pairing up with star guard Luka Doncic. In 2024, Irving played a pivotal role in leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, marking a significant turnaround for the team.
Broader implications for Brooklyn and the NBA landscape
Irving’s criticism illuminates the challenges Brooklyn faced during a turbulent period that included high-profile trades, coaching changes, and roster instability. Sending Harden to a division rival increased competition for the Nets within the Eastern Conference, complicating their championship ambitions. Meanwhile, Dallas benefited from acquiring Irving, whose presence has helped revive their playoff prospects.