Before the 2021-22 NBA season started, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets were the favorites to meet in the NBA Finals for most fans and experts. The two teams had a terrific offseason and added a lot of star power to their rosters.
In reality, the Lakers failed to even qualify for the playoffs and the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs. By the way, the Nets are still the only team to get swept in the entire 2022 playoffs, that’s certainly an unwanted record for the franchise.
Anyway, with the 2022 postseason almost over, the teams that have been eliminated are already preparing for next season. The preparations certainly involve trading or signing players in the free agency to bolster their roster.
Recently, there have been many rumors that the Lakers and the Nets might get involved in a trade around Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. Fans believe this could solve the issues for each team and help them compete better next season. NBA writer Ben Stinar gave more fire to that rumor after asking fans’ opinions on his Twitter account.
“Kyrie Irving for Russell Westbrook who says no?”
Kyrie Irving for Russell Westbrook who says no
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) May 25, 2022
As expected, waves of fans commented below Stinar’s post and shared their views on this trade idea. Here are some of the best reactions by the fans.
https://twitter.com/ElonTrump420/status/1529655724279840768
I'm sure both franchises do, but Durant and Westbrook have familiarity as does LeBron and Irving. Would really be the best for both franchises to swap.
— ☽𓄿 Tristan ⛤ Raven 𓄿☾ (@TheTristanRaven) May 25, 2022
KD and the entire Nets ownership group and fandom!!! Lol. The LA media and fans would crush Kyrie!!!! Look what they did to Russ, who everyone believed had a thick skin
— Nicky A (@AJRazim) May 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/skolbenjamin/status/1529520169671966720
Lakers to Nets:
We’ll take your problem if you’ll take ours. Deal?
— Tony Michael 💎 (@TonyMichael) May 25, 2022
Everyone involved. Kyrie doesn’t want to play with Lebron again. Westbrook and KD don’t want to play together again. The nets don’t want the Westbrook experience, and the lakers don’t want the kyrie circus. The league may want it however for the intrigue.
— Will Goodwin (@willbadlose) May 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/RealNBA_AJ/status/1529566830125252609
Literally a lot of ppl
— user8736372 (@user872737733) May 25, 2022
Even better—Simmons for Westbrook.
— Darryl Howerton (@darrylhowerton) May 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/NetGoalz_Matt/status/1529595347856723968
Kyrie, KD, the entire Nets organization, and anyone whos not a weirdo says no
— Sparagus (@gogobobo711) May 25, 2022
Probably Brooklyn if the lakers don’t throw in a first round pick. Doubt the nets r going to make a trade until they find out how KD feels and they don’t know right now because he hasn’t talked to the front office since they lost
— Dan. (@DanMayn88026365) May 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/sco_sese/status/1529579131041718272
If Lakers got Kyrie Irving and he is healthy next season along with Anthony Davis staying healthy, which won’t happen, they would win the whole thing. The west will be really really tough. Clippers, warriors, Grizz, nuggets when they there players back, suns and more.
— Josh Grissom (@JoshGrissom_) May 25, 2022
Nets say no cuz they ain’t that stupid. Kyrie also says no because he dont wanna be in the shadow of lebron
— Troy (@TroyDaGoat12) May 26, 2022
Let’s be real here, the likelihood of this trade happening is very low. Although the Nets were swept in the opening round of the playoffs with a healthy KD, Kyrie, and Ben Simmons next season, they can try to win the title once again.
But at the same time, Kevin Durant hasn’t talked to the Nets organization since the first-round sweep against the Celtics. As of now, the franchise wouldn’t be very worried, but if Durant continues to ignore them, they might need to think about blowing up the entire experiment.
This offseason, if Irving doesn’t opt in for his player option, then he can simply leave in the free agency. If that were to happen, it will leave Durant very unhappy and potentially request a trade.
Hopefully, the franchise handles this situation delicately and doesn’t make any rash decisions that might upset their superstars.
