Lakers, Nets Re-Visit Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook Trade

NBA trade Rumors, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets
NBA Analysis Network

NBA rumors began swirling recently about the future of the Brooklyn Nets when it was revealed that they had reached an impasse with Kyrie Irving. Irving had a player option for the 2022-23 season that he was trying to leverage into a bigger contract. So, the sides engaged in a game of chicken.

The Nets were unwilling to offer him a long-term contract, which is understandable given that Irving has been unreliable when it comes to availability to play. It was rumored that six teams could be potential landing spots for Irving; the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.

Looming over all of this is Kevin Durant, who was monitoring the situation. The doomsday scenario for the Nets arrived with the former MVP requesting a trade.

By opting in, Irving is now ineligible for the long-term contract that he was hoping to land this offseason. But, he could still eventually be moved. His $36 million contract could become a solid trade chip as an expiring deal. 

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Lakers-Nets Trade Swaps Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook

Could a reunion with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers still occur down the road? While making an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst floated the idea that Brooklyn could revisit an Irving for Russell Westbrook swap down the line.

This was something discussed a little bit when it looked like there was a chance Irving could be leaving the Nets last week but didn’t gain much traction. This would certainly be a headline-grabbing deal, as former dynamic duos would be teaming up once again.

Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes reported the Lakers and Nets re-engaged in trade discussions centered around Irving and Westbrook. A part of the negotiation has been Los Angeles’ desire for Seth Curry to be included in a trade instead of Joe Harris.

Draft compensation is an ongoing talking point for the Nets and they want shooting guard Joe Harris — who is recovering from left ankle surgery — and his remaining $38.6 million owed over the next two years included in the deal, sources said.

The Lakers have been disinclined to the inclusion of Harris, and are instead seeking the insertion of sharpshooter Seth Curry as part of the arrangement, sources said.

Irving and James had a ton of success when teamed up on the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning one championship. Westbrook and Durant found a lot of success when playing together with the Oklahoma City Thunder before Durant decided to leave for the Golden State Warriors, where he won two titles.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Lakers-Nets Trade Swaps Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook

This is a swap that the Lakers would likely do in a heartbeat, as Irving has already proven how much better of a fit alongside James that he is than Westbrook. With Ben Simmons already on the roster, it is hard to imagine the Brooklyn Nets getting too excited about adding another non-shooter in Westbrook to the mix. But, if they can extract some draft capital out of the Lakers in the deal, they may be open to it.

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