With all the reports covering a potential Russell Westbrook-Kyrie Irving blockbuster trade that reunites LeBron James with his previous co-star, it's gotten to the point where standing pat would feel like an even bigger surprise for Los Angeles Lakers fans.

However, a deal of that magnitude involving two of the most polarizing superstars of this current generation remains far from a simple swap negotiation. According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, there remains “skepticism” that a deal gets consummated – at least without adding extra layers of nuance.

Via Bleacher Report:

The Lakers are the one team with an obvious desire to poach Irving from Brooklyn, but there is plenty of skepticism around the NBA that L.A. can acquire Irving in a direct two-team swap with the Nets. Brooklyn's goal of contending already disqualifies a theoretical package of Russell Westbrook and two first-round picks from satisfying the Nets' wishes for any Irving or Durant return.

The Nets have virtually all their future draft picks owed to the Houston Rockets due to the James Harden trade, which certainly gives them every incentive to compete not just next season but also in the years to come. Russell Westbrook could certainly have a bounce-back year next season playing on a team without another ball-dominant superstar like LeBron James. But he'll be 34 within one month of the 2022-23 season, which puts him three and a half years older than Kyrie. His game isn't going to help the Nets avoid gifting lottery picks to someone else in 3-4 years.

Not only that, but Westbrook costs even more money and would burn an exponential amount in Joe Tsai's pocket in additional luxury tax fees.

Westbrook is also set to make $47 million in 2022-23, roughly $11 million more than Irving. This exercise is not apples to apples, but if Brooklyn essentially replaced Irving's contract with Westbrook's, the Nets would suffer over $50 million in tax penalties, according to salary projections provided to B/R.

Despite these roadblocks, both sides seem locked into making something work between one another. These roadblocks may hinder a trade from happening right now, but both sides could soften as the season draws closer.