After a drama-filled regular season with Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving, why should the offseason be any different? It all started when a report emerged that Irving is seeking a long-term contract while the Nets, understandably, would like a more short-term deal, given the star guard's unpredictable nature. It turns out that the Nets aren't the only ones preparing for the worst-case scenario. Irving has a six-team wish list if contract talks with the Nets break down and he seeks a sign-and-trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers on that list.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has the details:
Those are teams who Irving has interest in, but he isn’t necessarily a priority for all of them, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
That is quite the list. Three of those teams made the NBA Playoffs outright, with one of them, the Los Angeles Clippers, making the NBA's Play-In Tournament. Of course, no potential sign-and-trade will happen unless Irving opts out of his player option worth over $36 million. He has until June 29 to decide.
If not, then the possibilities are seemingly endless with this list. Irving reuniting with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers? Irving teaming up with Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers? What about the Nets star joining forces with Jimmy Butler on the Miami Heat? Or just moving across town to the Knicks? The Sixers option is especially hilarious given the presence of James Harden.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bZVYxusLFA542EmWlcgOm?si=b0c042c50ef648f3
As Wojnarowski notes, none of these teams have the cap space to trade for the seven-time All-Star unless Brooklyn aids in the deal.
It's clear that Irving's decision has the capability to change the entire landscape of the NBA. For now, he and the Nets want each other. However, as Brooklyn has found out, Irving's feelings can change in an instant.The two sides are squabbling over the length of an extension.
If this actually falls spart, then the Irving sweepstakes will kick off with some very intriguing suitors competing for his services.
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