The Brooklyn Nets preferred what the Dallas Mavericks had to offer over what the Los Angeles Lakers could give to the Nets, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
On Sunday, the Brooklyn Nets traded Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
Most reports stated the offer from the Lakers included their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks and probably guard Russell Westbrook for salary-matching purposes. Per Woj, the Nets preferred the Mavericks’ trade package because they were able to get a guard and wing to immediately plug into their rotations along with picks that most likely will be used to be more moves before the trade deadline.
It makes sense the Nets balked at the Lakers’ offer since Westbrook isn’t the same guy he was when he won the MVP award for the 2016-2017 season. It looks like the trade with the Mavericks gives the Nets two quality players to add to the team as well as the ammunition to go after another star player to help Kevin Durant contend for this season’s title.
The Nets-Mavericks talks accelerated on a trade today, sources said. The Lakers and Nets had several conversations on a potential deal, but Nets preferred Mavs' package — getting back a point guard and wing to plug in now plus the future picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2023
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