The relationship between the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving has seemingly hit another issue. His unavailability has been a cause of frustration among the organization and it may have hit a breaking point. Irving finished off the final year of his contract while still having a $36.5 million player option for next season. His future with the team is seemingly in doubt as Shams Charania reported he is at an “impasse” in his talks with the franchise.
Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors.
Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
It is difficult to walk away from a player of the magnitude of talent that Kyrie Irving is. As the Nets look to improve their roster and build a championship team around Kevin Durant, Brooklyn will not want to waste having Irving. If he is set on taking his talents elsewhere, expect the Nets to attempt to work a sign-and-trade. This could be a successful end of the relationship for both sides. Here are three crazy trade proposals that might be crazy enough to work.
3 crazy trade proposals for Nets star Kyrie Irving:
Nets Get: Anthony Davis
Lakers Get: Kyrie Irving
Both the Lakers and Nets are desperately trying to revitalize their championship hopes. Kyrie Irving proved to be the perfect complementary star to LeBron James during their time in Cleveland and could do the same with the Lakers. There has been a great deal of talk about the possibility of moving Russell Westbrook this offseason. His high contract and poor play make him a difficult player to trade and moving Anthony Davis is a more realistic route to upgrading for Los Angeles.
For the Nets, getting Anthony Davis in exchange for a guy that can walk away freely would be a terrific move. Davis is not the perfect player but would make an interesting duo with Kevin Durant. The pair would be a better on-court fit than KD has been with Irving and keep Brooklyn in win-now mode.
Nets Get: Reggie Jackson, Robert Covington, Ivica Zubac
Clippers Get: Kyrie Irving
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to be back in the championship conversation next year. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George set to be fully healthy, it drastically changes their outlook. Adding Kyrie Irving to that already talented core would likely be the most talented trio in the NBA. It would not be as big of a deal if Irving is to miss some games with Los Angeles and the team would be a nightmare to match up with when all three are there.
For the Nets, this is not a massive return but one that still improves the team a great deal. Reggie Jackson is a hot and cold player but has continually been underrated. Robert Covington is a solid complementary role player, and Ivica Zubac would be the big man the team has been in search of. The Nets currently have just six players set to return next season (Durant, Simmons, Joe Harris, Cam Thomas, Day'Ron Sharpe, Kessler Edwards). Adding this collection of players would provide a nice baseline of players to surround Durant with as they search to make some larger additions to the roster.
Nets Get: Bradley Beal
Wizards Get: Kyrie Irving and a 2023 1st round pick
It is unclear what Bradley Beal's grand plans are this offseason. The Wizards superstar has seemingly been unhappy for several years but continues to stubbornly declare his loyalty to the franchise. While his loyalty is admirable, there appears little hope for Washington to build a true contender around him. If Beal decides he wants out, this could be an excellent opportunity for the two teams to swap their ill-fitting stars.
Bradley Beal says he’s made a decision on his playing future, but won’t provide details just yet https://t.co/Nf4mx3hwMo
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 19, 2022
Kyrie Irving is not quite the perfect piece for the Wizards but would allow them to continue to build toward a contender. Playing with Kevin Durant would also be an excellent spot for Bradley Beal to land. The duo of Durant and Beal would keep Brooklyn in the true championship-caliber tier of teams. Given his loyalty and the position the franchise is in, if Beal wants to go to the Nets adding Irving and getting him to the destination is a request they would likely honor. Washington is in an interesting position where they are balancing contending and rebuilding. The decision by Bradley Beal is likely the biggest piece that will steer their next direction. Considering he can walk away for nothing, adding Kyrie Irving would be a pretty good outcome for the organization.
The Kyrie Irving saga has been an interesting storyline for several years. There is no denying what a premier talent he is but this oftentimes gets overshadowed by the off-court headlines. There is no doubt he will still be an attractive addition for many teams. It will be interesting to watch where his landing spot will be as it is sure to have league-wide effects.
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