Kyrie Irving is one of the best players available on the trade market this offseason. let’s not forget that Irving had a 60-point game just a few months ago and that the point guard is still one of the most mercurial talents in the league. The issue is that despite his talent, many teams are unwilling to accommodate Irving’s off-court behavior in their locker rooms.
Irving sat out most of last season after refusing to get vaccinated and comply with the old vaccine mandate in New York. After refusing to extend his contract with the Nets because they were unwilling to give him a long-term max contract, Irving was expected to either leave the team this offseason or after next season. KD requesting a trade meant that Brooklyn will also trade Irving, who accepted his contract option to play another year with KD.
While from the Mavericks, 76ers, and the Lakers, Nick Wright has said that he only knows of the Lakers being engaged in trade talks with the Nets over Irving; the only team to begin talks for Irving prior to KD’s trade request.
Not sure what’s been reported elsewhere this morning, but I can report definitively that the Sixers are not and have not been engaged in trade talks for Kyrie this offseason.
There’s no appetite for him in Philly.
The Lakers are the Nets only current suitor.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) July 3, 2022
The teams interested in Irving were revealed by Shams Charania of The Athletic, one of the most credible sources in basketball. Nick Wright is notable himself but it depends from person to person whether they want to go with what Shams said.
The 76ers would be unlikely to trade for Irving, considering their existing guard depth and requirement to reinforce the wing position. The Mavericks may not have the trade assets to get Irving and have been in minimal rumors for major players after letting Jalen Brunson walk to the Knicks.
The Lakers have the most obvious interest, with Irving also reportedly willing to reunite with LeBron James. If the Lakers are ready to give up a first-round pick for Irving, who may leave next season as a free agent, this is a no-brainer for them. The Nets can take Russell Westbrook’s contract in the short-term and have cap space next season after his contract expires. The Lakers should still be considered front-runners for Irving based on what Wright has said, reinforcing what others have reported so far.
