Nets coach Vaughn wishes best for Kyrie after guard makes Mavericks trade
Andrew Steel
February 7, 2023 16:49 MYT
February 7, 2023 16:49 MYT
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn wants Kyrie Irving to succeed despite his departure from the team, after he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
The guard made the move from New York to Texas ahead of Thursday's deadline after threatening to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
It has been an unsettled campaign for Irving with the Nets, having been suspended for eight games after posting a link on social media to an antisemitic film.
But Vaughn, who has picked up Mavericks pair Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith in return, had nothing but kind words to say after his exit.
"My interactions with Kai have always been positive," he said after the Nets slipped to a 124-116 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
"I enjoyed coaching him. I want him to succeed. I'll keep it that simple. We've had some ups and downs along the way. I've also seen the young man score 60 points.
Fought hard. pic.twitter.com/Sg2t3Frm5K — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 7, 2023
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"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.
"For me, I'm going to always look at the good in people and want the good in people. I want him to succeed. He's no longer with us, but I appreciate his time."
Irving, who will link up with three-time All-NBA Team guard Luka Doncic in Dallas, will be out to help push the Mavericks into the championship race.
The team sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 29-26 record after a 124-111 win over the Utah Jazz and face the Clippers next on Wednesday.