The Nets blew up their core by trading both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant ahead of the trade deadline.
Irving, who made his debut with the Mavericks in the win against the Clippers by scoring 24 points, was asked about the Durant trade to the Suns.
“Well, it’s not the first time we’ll be in competition as brothers,” Kyrie said in response to the question about him and Durant now being in the same conference. “I’m just praying for his happiness and praying for his well-being.
“We had a lot of conversations throughout the year of what our futures were going to look like. There was still a level of uncertainty, but we just cared about seeing each other be places that we can thrive and whether that be together, whether that be apart.
“There’s never been one moment where I felt like he’s been angry at me for decisions I’ve made or I’ve been angry at him. We’ve just tried to understand each other a lot better and grow as human beings, grow as brothers.
“This business changes so quickly, he’s getting a little bit older, I’m getting a little bit older. I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference and I welcome all that. Get to see him a little bit more probably playing agains Phoenix a lot more. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Everything else in between, I just am glad he got out of there.”
