Kyrie Irving engaged in a game of chicken with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this offseason. Looking to leverage the player option that he possessed for the 2022-23 NBA season into a long-term deal, Irving sought out a team that may be willing to make a deal for him.
The Nets called his bluff and it turned out they were right. Just as the case was during the regular season, a market for Irving didn’t exist. So, he opted in to his contract for the upcoming season and many thought a relatively quiet offseason would follow for Brooklyn. That could not have been further from what happened.
Days after Irving committed to the Nets for the 2022-23 season, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the team. That has now once again opened up the floodgates of trade rumors and Irving could ultimately still get what he wants.
According to Brian Windhorst, the Los Angeles Lakers are the only team that is showing any real interest in Irving. His relationship with LeBron James is likely what is driving this interest and the feeling is mutual as Irving wants to head out west.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Unlikely To Make Kyrie Irving Trade Without Third Team
When a trade occurs is anyone’s guess as there are a lot of moving parts and potentially a third-team needed. But, it is a matter of when, not if, Irving ends up in the purple and gold.
“Kyrie Irving absolutely wants to be a Los Angeles Laker,” said Brian Windhorst. “This we know. The Lakers want Kyrie Irving. This we know. But making that happen, that’s a different story. We don’t really get a good feeling there’s any team seriously on the market for Kyrie right now beyond the Lakers. It’s doesn’t mean they don’t like him or value him, they just don’t want to pay a potential price the Nets are asking. This is one of those things where we just have to wait and see.
“I doubt Kyrie will be back [with Brooklyn], I think he’ll be on the Lakers, but I don’t know when it will happen.”
Any deal that results in Irving ending up in Los Angeles almost has to include Russell Westbrook. The Nets likely don’t have much interest in acquiring him, which could require another team to get involved.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Unlikely To Make Kyrie Irving Trade Without Third Team
The San Antonio Spurs have been mentioned as a possible third team to help facilitate a deal as they have the cap space to absorb Westbrook’s contract. However, they are looking to be compensated for doing so, which could require multiple draft picks.
Would both of them be coming from the Los Angeles Lakers in that scenario? What would be heading to the Brooklyn Nets in this deal? Those are just a few of the hurdles that still need to get cleared as there is a lot of work remaining to end up with Irving and LeBron James playing together as teammates again.
