It has been a while since the Brooklyn Nets were dominating NBA headlines. They are playing solid basketball, trying to remain afloat, with Kevin Durant sidelined because of an MCL sprain in his right knee.
One of the players that have helped keep the team in a good spot in the Eastern Conference standings is Kyrie Irving. He was named to his eighth All-Star team this season as he has been playing some great basketball after serving a suspension earlier this season for sharing anti-Semitic material on his social media account.
Since that time, he has stayed to himself for the most part and not caused a stir. But, his name is going to be in the news a lot in the coming days as he has formally requested a trade from the Nets. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium shared the update.
According to Charania, the franchise has been informed that Irving prefers to move on ahead of the deadline on February 9th. If not, he will just leave in free agency in July.
That puts the Nets in a tough spot. They have lost basically all of their leverage as Irving has made it clear he will not be returning to the team. His value was already seen as being very low and this likely isn’t going to help them retain anything close to what he is worth on the court.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The only team that showed any real interest in acquiring him during the offseason was the Los Angeles Lakers. Would they revisit a deal for him now that he has asked the Nets to trade him? There were rumblings that he wanted to team up with LeBron James again and this could give him that chance.
It is hard to pinpoint what other franchises may be willing to take a shot on him. The Miami Heat have a strong culture in place and may be willing to take the risk given the lack of offense they currently have. The LA Clippers need a point guard; would they take the plunge and hope Irving stays on the right path enough to help them win the first title in franchise history? Another team that stands out is the Dallas Mavericks after the departure of Jalen Brunson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant & Brooklyn Nets Updates
What has been a relatively quiet NBA trade deadline season is certainly about to heat up. The Nets have been a part of a blockbuster trade for two straight seasons, both of those deals being centered around James Harden. Will this year make it three in a row with Irving looking to be moved?
