Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Firstly, the Nets don’t make this deal unless they’ve absolutely reached their limit with Irving’s antics. In fact, they don’t move him at all if that’s the case.
After all, as we said, they won’t get fair value for them. On the other hand, if they’re desperate to move on from him at any cost, this is a good return.
Adding Jonas Valanciunas makes particular sense. If the Nets intend to move into 2022-23 with Ben Simmons on the roster, they’ll need a stretch five to pair with him. As a non-shooting lead ball-handler, that’ll serve to maximize his abilities.
Otherwise, Nance Jr. and Graham are quality rotation players as well. Still, the real draw for the Nets here is the Lakers’ 2023 first-round pick. After all, the Lakers also face an uncertain short-term future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Updates On Kyrie Irving, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets
If everything breaks right for the Nets, they could be landing a lottery pick here. Can the Pelicans really risk giving one up for a player as volatile as Irving?