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USATSI

The Dallas Mavericks have reached out to the Brooklyn Nets to discuss a trade for absent point guard Kyrie Irving, Ian Begley of SNY reports. Kristaps Porzingis has reportedly been discussed in those trade talks, but it is unknown how far those talks between Dallas and Brooklyn progressed. 

Irving has not yet played this season due to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in New York City that would prevent him from playing home games at Barclays Center. Irving could theoretically play on the road, but the Nets have not allowed him to do so. He has therefore sat out all season, but The Athletic's Shams Charania recently reported that there is renewed optimism surrounding a possible return from Irving this season. Whether that would come through a vaccine for Irving, a change in the mandate or Brooklyn relenting on keeping Irving out of road games is not fully clear. 

Dallas has had a disappointing 14-13 start to the season under new coach Jason Kidd, who starred for the Nets when Irving was growing up in New Jersey as a fan. They have long sought a secondary ball-handler to pair with young star Luka Doncic, who has carried nearly the entire shot-creation burden for the Mavericks since they drafted him in 2018. Irving would fit the bill, though his interest in playing for Dallas is unclear. Irving has a player option after the season and can therefore become a free agent this summer. 

Should Porzingis be involved in a trade, he would fill a major hole at center for a Nets team that is currently relying on a number of aging veterans at the position as well as unproven youngster Nicolas Claxton. As Porzingis is under contract for two seasons after this one, he would also give the Nets a degree of certainty, especially with James Harden currently unsigned beyond this season. Kevin Durant is the player who originally gave Porzingis the "Unicorn" nickname.

Dallas is the only team known to have reached out to Brooklyn about Irving. Given his contract status, vaccine hesitancy and injury history, it does not appear as though the Nets could receive a return commensurate with his talent. Irving was a Third-Team All-NBA guard last season, but until something changes, it appears as though he will remain sidelined this season.