Jacque Vaughn Sends Emotional Message to Kyrie Irving After Departure From Nets

• Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn has hailed Kyrie Irving after his sudden exit from the team
• Irving requested a trade a few days ago and was traded to the Dallas Mavericks
• His three-and-a-half-year spell in Brooklyn was tumultuous

After close to four tumultuous years, Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn Nets partnership is finally over. The 30-year-old point guard handed in a trade request on Friday before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal completed on Monday.

The Nets brought in Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 in exchange for their star point guard and Markieff Morris.

Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said he is happy for his former player and wants him to succeed.

Vaughn recently appeared to criticize Irving after the trade request. Vaughn was officially named as head coach for the Nets to replace Steve Nash, who was fired in early November 2022 after a poor run of results, per the Athletic.

LeBron James posts deeply cryptic tweet after Kyrie Irving trade to the Dallas Mavericks

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Shortly after Vaughn was named head coach, the Nets drastically improved. They went on a 12-game winning streak in early December before Kevin Durant went down with an MCL injury.

They have gone 5-8 since then and currently sit 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-21 record. Durant is nearly back from injury and what remains to be seen is what Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith will bring to the team.

Vaughn's message to Irving

After the Nets narrowly lost to the LA Clippers 124-116, Vaughn expressed his thoughts on Irving's acrimonious exit from the team.

"I enjoyed coaching him. I want him to succeed. I'll keep it that simple. 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," via ESPN.

What Kyrie Irving said about future Mavericks teammate Luka Doncic

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Some Nets players also hailed their former teammate. Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas spoke highly of Irving. Claxton said the 2016 NBA champion was his best teammate while Thomas said Irving was his mentor.

Irving on Doncic

The 8x All-Star joins forces with Maverick's star Luka Doncic, forming a formidable duo. Doncic has been spectacular this season, he's averaging 33.4 points per game and is in contention for the 2023 NBA MVP award.

Dallas is aiming to win their first NBA championship since 2011 when they beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games.

James is disappointed with missing Irving

Sports Brief earlier reported on LeBron James speaking on the Lakers missing out on signing Irving who they pursued before he joined Dallas.

The Lakers superstar acknowledged that he was disappointed that his team didn't acquire his former teammate but said his focus is now on the team and believes they can beat any NBA team when healthy.

The 2020 NBA champions were hoping to secure Irving to give them a chance to win an NBA title for the first time since 2020.