Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving requested to be traded ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 9 deadline after recent contract negotiations. The team wanted to minimize potential downside risk by tying some compensation to winning a championship, prompting talks to end.
The possible trade suitors for Irving’s services include the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns. Many consider the Lakers and Mavs to be the most logical suitors to make a move of this nature, given the desperate nature of their teams. Both organizations have prominent members with relationships with Irving.
Russell Westbrook’s contract would be included in a potential deal involving Irving moving to the Lakers to be completed; sources tell NBA Analysis Network. The team would be open to moving their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. The value of that trade package for the Nets’ current situation is something to consider.
“It doesn’t benefit the current Nets front office regime or Durant to take back Westbrook’s contract with two future Lakers picks,” said one NBA executive to NBA Analysis Network. “What contracts would they use that have enough positive trade value packaged with those picks for a trade this offseason? It’s hard to see great options. They would need to get some veteran players back in an Irving trade directly. I don’t see them wanting Westbrook.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Kyrie Irving & Brooklyn Nets Updates
One of the challenges the Nets will encounter is the potential impact on the market’s willingness to part with major value due to the restrictions in contract extension rules, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
“It’s difficult to see the Nets getting a team to send out a haul for Irving because it’s hard to envision a quick contract agreement being reached between him and his new team,” the executive said. “The acquiring team can only offer him a two-year deal worth around $78 million. If Irving doesn’t sign it, which, again, I don’t know why he would — it would require the negotiation to occur in the summer. That’s risky to send out real value for a risky player that could leave.”
The Lakers are not limited to only pursuing a trade for Irving. They could use the combination of Westbrook’s contract and future draft capital to get into the mix for a different trade package headlined by a veteran point guard. We’ve been told to keep an eye on Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors. Irving’s presence on the trade market could also impact a possible return for VanVleet, helping the Lakers in possible overtures.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Kyrie Irving & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Thursday marks the NBA’s trade deadline at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. After his player option for 2022-23 expires, Irving will become a free agent this summer. The 30-year-old is eligible to sign a four-year, $198 million contract in the summer. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per contest. On Saturday, he and the Nets will face the Washington Wizards at home.
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