The news of an impasse between the Brooklyn Nets and NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving wasn’t the most surprising news from that situation on Monday. It had been reported for a few weeks that the Nets were hesitant to commit to Irving long-term, which is understandable given how the relationship has gone the last three seasons.
What was likely most surprising is that three teams were mentioned as potential landing spots. The Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and New York Knicks were the rumored spots. What was truly shocking was that the Lakers and Knicks have been mentioned for a few weeks now as potential Irving exit plans.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report shared the update in his recent NBA intel piece. While it wasn’t taken as a serious rumor, it is something that has been previously discussed in league circles.
“In any negotiation, it’s fair for a player of Irving’s caliber to search for lucrative exit ramps. Word of Irving’s interest in the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks has circulated among league personnel since the NBA Draft Combine in mid-May, but few team executives have given much credence to that chatter.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving Could Leave Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers And New York Knicks Among Suitors
It is a bit stunning that the team names linked to Irving went that long without being leaked. However, every agent seemingly uses the Lakers and Knicks as leverage to drive up the price for their clients. As for Irving, there are varying levels of how realistic acquiring him would be for each team.
The Clippers would have the easiest path to landing him with their collection of mid-range contracts. Some combination of Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr., Luke Kennard, Robert Covington, Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann can be used to acquire Irving via trade.
The New York Knicks have some assets as well, but their best players are younger guys who Brooklyn may not have as much interest in as they remain contenders for the NBA Championship. New York does have the most draft capital to include.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving Could Leave Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers And New York Knicks Among Suitors
The Los Angeles Lakers have the easiest swap to make, as they can send Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn. However, they likely have the slimmest chances, as that is really the only route they can take to acquiring him unless a third team gets involved in the trade to offset some salary.
This is likely a situation that will continue beyond the draft as the deadline for Kyrie Irving to decide on his option is June 29th, the eve of NBA Free Agency.
