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Nets GM: Harden deal 'has nothing to do' with Kyrie's absence

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks made a huge splash Thursday, acquiring former MVP James Harden in a three-team blockbuster deal.

The Nets executive says there's no correlation between his decision to pull the trigger on the trade and Kyrie Irving's extended hiatus, adding that the star point guard is looking forward to rejoining the club.

"Kyrie's absence and the personal issues he's dealing with has nothing to do with us going after and attaining James Harden. ... I have talked to Kyrie so I know he's excited about getting back on the court with his teammates as soon as possible," Marks said, courtesy of SNY.

Irving has missed Brooklyn's last five games due to personal reasons. His return will depend on the NBA's investigation into recently surfaced clips that show the former No. 1 pick at a large gathering without a mask.

The league could penalize Irving if the footage is found to have occurred during his absence from the team. Harden was fined $50,000 earlier this season for violating the NBA's health and safety protocols but avoided a suspension.

Whenever Irving returns to the fold, Marks believes his new Big Three won't allow egos to get in the way of their championship pursuit.

"They've said they want to play together," Marks said, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "They can see this fitting. I think they understand there's going to be nights where one or two needs to sacrifice for the other. I think they're all looking for that common goal to be the last team standing."

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