The Kyrie Irving offseason saga is not over after Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant requested a trade. Irving opted into his player option on Monday, which seemed to signify that he would stay in Brooklyn with Durant.
Irving is one of the most dynamic guards in the NBA but has missed significant time over the past three years. He's missed 123 games since signing with the Nets in 2019, which is the main concern for a team trading for him.
Irving only appeared in 29 regular-season games last season, unable to play in Brooklyn due to the vaccine mandate. In those games, he showed that he is still one of the best point guards in the NBA. Irving averaged 27.4 points per game, along with 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three.
Irving is one of the most prolific scorers in the league and would be a great offensive addition to whatever team acquires him. While a trade for Irving could be considered a risk, his talent level is worth it.
With that said, here are two teams that must trade for Kyrie Irving after Kevin Durant's trade request.
Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Kyrie Irving Trade Destinations
The Mavericks are about to lose Jalen Brunson in free agency, which leaves a hole at guard. This leaves Luka Doncic without a partner in the backcourt, which opens up a move for a player like Irving.
Irving would create an amazing scoring tandem with Doncic that would leave defenses in shambles. While it wouldn't be great defensively, the Mavs have quality depth pieces that can play defense around the star duo.
The question is, what would the Mavs have to give up to acquire Irving? They just pulled off a deal for Christian Wood to be their center and don't have many enticing players to help the Nets rebuild. A trade would likely include role players to match the salary and draft capital.
With Brunson on the way out, Irving could be the Mavs' best option at guard.
The Lakers are expected to be right back in on the Irving sweepstakes. It is also reportedly Irving's preference to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While this would be a phenomenal big three, it could be hard to pull off.
The Nets have been hesitant to take on Russell Westbrook's massive salary even though it's an expiring deal. This is the only way Los Angeles can make the salaries match unless they were to move Davis, which is highly unlikely.
According to Stephen A. Smith, Irving wants to join the Lakers as soon as possible. However, Smith noted that may take until next offseason when Irving is a free agent, and the Lakers have money available. If LA is able to pull off a trade, it will require attaching one or two first-round picks with Westbrook.
Brooklyn could then either buy out Westbrook or let his contract expire at the end of the season. If Los Angeles can make the deal work, they will form an elite big three and be right back among championship contenders next season.
The Nets' offseason has been dramatic, and it will be interesting to see where Irving ends up.
Follow Us
Subscribe