Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G Tyler Herro

Miami Heat Receive: G Kyrie Irving, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI)

In both deals, Kyle Lowry finds his way to the Brooklyn Nets. It’s too difficult to assemble a reasonable exchange that lands Kyrie Irving in Miami without including his contract. This time, he bring a more talented teammate along with him.

That’ll cost the Brooklyn Nets. It’s surreal to think that they’d have to attach a first-rounder to Irving just to acquire Tyler Herro, but they would. That’s what happens when you refuse to play basketball as a professional basketball player.

This could still work out in either team’s favor. The Miami Heat would be hoping that Irving is eager to repair his public image (doubtful) or, just play basketball (hopeful?).

Meanwhile, the Nets are taking a marginal talent downgrade because they’ve given up on anything motivating Irving to be a reliable presence for the team.

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It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The Nets were supposed to be on their way to the NBA Finals by now, led by an unstoppable trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.

At the same time, looking at the histories of those last two players, maybe it was supposed to be like this all along.