Coming off a drama-filled year where he missed most of the season due to his stance on New York's COVID-19 vaccination mandate, it's fair to assume that Kyrie Irving's time with the Brooklyn Nets may be in jeopardy. Aside from this, Irving had several off-court antics that put the Nets in a bind throughout the regular season.
This in-turn put more pressure on Kevin Durant to play at a high level and help keep the Nets afloat in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. It could even be argued that his lack of availability is what forced Brooklyn to pull the trigger on the Ben Simmons-James Harden trade. Especially considering that Harden's frustration with the situation began to mount and the Sixers were desperate to part ways with Simmons.
Despite having a strong showing in their first round series with the Boston Celtics, it still wasn't enough to propel them into the semifinals. With a player option heading into this summer, it may be in Brooklyn's best interest to trade the veteran guard. The Miami Heat are one team currently in need of a reliable go-to scorer who can also create his for his teammates. This is where Irving could be a potential fit in South Beach. Having said all this, we'll now discuss the perfect trade the Heat should offer the Nets for Kyrie Irving.
The perfect trade Heat should offer Nets for Kyrie Irving
Proposed Trade:
Heat receive: Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, and Kessler Edwards
Nets receive: Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Omer Yurtseven, Markieff Morris, Victor Oladipo, and two future draft picks
In this proposed trade, the Heat gain an All-Star combo guard with championship experience who would make them an improved scoring team. On the Heat, Irving's approach to the game would change and with Miami's zero tolerance policy for off-court and locker room mishaps, he'd be back to playing at his level best.
Irving may be a liability on the defensive end, but the Heat have been a defensive juggernaut for the past few seasons and under the guidance of Erik Spoelstra Irving would become a high production two-way player alongside fellow All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Also coming over to the Heat in this deal would be Joe Harris and Kessler Edwards.
As one of the premier 3-and-D guys in the NBA, Harris would be a great fit and join a Heat squad that was already the best 3-point shooting team during the 2021-22 regular season. His lights out shooting, strong perimeter defense, and selfless team play would make for a great fit with the Heat Culture. In Edwards, the Heat would gain a young and athletic wing with a ton of upside to his game. On the other side of this trade, the Nets would be making KD the focal point of their franchise while conducting some serious roster overhaul.
Adding a perfect blend of veteran play, young talent, and draft picks, the Nets may actually come out of this deal with a deeper and more complete roster. Between Kyle Lowry and Markieff Morris' championship pedigree, the highly efficient 3-point shooting of Herro and Robinson, Omer Yurtseven still tapping into his potential, and Victor Oladipo slowly working his way back to full form, the Nets would have plenty to work with.
Plus Seth Curry and Goran Dragic would have a full year to play in Brooklyn and build chemistry with a new-and-improved roster. Not to mention the Nets also gain some draft capital to add a little icing on the cake. Both teams would be risking a lot in this deal, but it would also be a major shake up that could vastly improve them both.
Durant would get to lead the Nets on his terms and work with a deeper and more cohesive unit while Irving would be getting a taste of the Heat Culture and transform into an efficient two-way guard that would fill a major area of need for Miami. Florida's stance on the COVID-19 vaccination mandate is also way more lax than New York's. So at the end of the day this transaction would be a win-win scenario.
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