In Brooklyn, the Nets are still figuring out how to respond in the aftermath of an early playoff exit. Kevin Durant is getting older, Ben Simmons has yet to play a game for the team, and their loyalty to Kyrie Irving isn’t exactly in the best of shape.
In fact, according to Brian Windhorst, the franchise would be ‘open’ to a trade involving Irving for a guy like Anthony Davis. While the deal is unlikely, at best, Windhorst didn’t exactly define it as impossible.
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst shot down the likelihood of a blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
On Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, he suggested the only realistic trade offer the Nets would entertain and accept from the Lakers for guard Kyrie Irving is one involving power forward Anthony Davis.
Windhorst noted that he has looked into the possibility of that trade happening but does “not see” it coming to pass.
The whole trade might seem like a longshot to some, and it’s clear to see why. Irving and Davis are usually players that are considered untouchable. On Twitter, Skip Bayless expressed doubt that such a deal is possible.
“The Lakers are going to acquire Kyrie HOW??? In a sign-and-trade for Anthony Davis? AD is more valuable now than a Kyrie who now believes there are far more important things in life than winning basketball games … which is great unless you want $50 mil a year to win games.”
Kyrie Irving is a legendary point guard who happens to be one of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen. But his availability and commitment to winning have really put his value into question and it remains to be seen how he will bounce back after such a disastrous season.
In Los Angeles, though, Irving could thrive under the leadership and guidance of LeBron James, just like Davis might thrive alongside Durant in new surroundings.
Either way, Irving is far from untouchable and there is a sense he could be had for the right price.
