The deadline day saga never truly got going as the Nets acquiesced to Kyrie Irving’s trade demand and agreed to deal the All-Star guard to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.

The deal Brooklyn struck will reportedly land them two players -- Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie, and multiple draft picks (a 2027 first-rounder and multiple second-rounders). The Nets are also sending Markieff Morris with Irving to Dallas.

But the Mavs’ offer was not the only road available for Brooklyn.

Unlike the lone traveler looking at two roads in a yellow wood, the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline was drawing near and the Nets' front office was not in a position to stand long at the divergent paths before them, as waiting could sink Irving’s value. And unlike the lone traveler, Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks had more options, with as many as three suitors inquiring about the wantaway Irving.

The Los Angeles Lakers, long thought of as a logical landing spot so they could pair Irving with former teammate LeBron James, offered guard Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Los Angeles' offer included first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. The Nets countered by asking for that and young players such as Austin Reaves and Max Christie and further pick swaps to be added to any potential deal, per Charania.

The Phoenix Suns, who Begley reported were also suitors, offered a package centered around guard Chris Paul, forward Jae Crowder, and draft picks, according to TNT's Chris Haynes.                               

Charania said the offer included a first-round pick and it came within 18 hours of Irving's request for a trade. The Athletic reporter added, "it's believed that three first-round picks could have clinched a deal, multiple league sources said." That improved offer was not made.

Two options were not available as the Los Angles Clippers did not have a strong interest in Irving and the Knicks never registered significant interest, either, according to Begley.

In the end, Irving is off to Dallas. For Brooklyn, time will tell if that has made all the difference.