How This Trade Impacts Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets took one step toward severing their ties with Kyrie Irving when they decided he cannot participate as a part-time player. They made the message loud and clear when they pulled the contract extension that was on the table.
If they want to go all the way and trade him, their options will be limited. Irving reportedly has virtually zero trade value, which makes sense. He is a high risk given his unvaccinated status, as he would miss games just for being a close contact. The threat of retirement will also deter some teams.
But, if this offer from the Oklahoma City Thunder was actually on the table, they would have a hard time turning it down. Kenrich Williams and Luguentz Dort aren’t the caliber of player that Irving is, but at least they would be able to help the team on the court if they are both vaccinated.
Brooklyn’s defense would improve immensely with those two in the fold. Dort is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, while Williams provides a ton of versatility on that end of the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: NBA Insider Reveals Nets’ Stance On Kyrie Irving Trade
The defense was the biggest issue for the Brooklyn Nets last season and this hypothetical trade package provides them with two strong defenders. The 2022 first-round draft picks give them some ammunition to swing a trade for another established player to add to the mix or bring on two more young, cost-control players.
The biggest positive from this trade would be the monetary relief the team gets. Brooklyn would save $145 million in salary and luxury tax because Oklahoma City can absorb Irving’s entire contract. Trading him would also push them under the luxury tax line, meaning the repeater tax penalty clock would be stopped.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: NBA Insider Reveals Nets’ Stance On Kyrie Irving Trade
Brooklyn will likely never get what is considered fair value in return for Irving. But, a trade like this has plenty of positives that they would be happy to have occur.
