The Brooklyn Nets were swept out of the first round this NBA postseason. Forward Kevin Durant struggled with the Celtics’ physicality, and guard Kyrie Irving couldn’t carry the load alone. Even though it was Durant that struggled more in the series, the Nets need to consider moving Kyrie Irving via trade.
The first reason is pretty simple: it comes down to availability. Kyrie Irving missed 53 games this season due to his refusal to receive the COVID vaccine. As a result, the team was unable to build the chemistry that was required to succeed in the postseason.
Even for a player as good as Kyrie Irving, 29 games is not enough. In fact, Irving’s part-time status led to the departure of fellow star James Harden. The Nets got Ben Simmons in return for Harden – but the 6’11” PG has yet to suit up for the team.
GM Sean Marks recently highlighted the need for “available” players but emphasized that his comment did not refer to Irving alone. Still, it’s a big hint that the Brooklyn Nets front office may have concerns that Irving’s part-time status could return again. Moving him before that happens would be key to maximizing the trade return.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Crazy Trade Ideas Involving Brooklyn Nets Superstar Kyrie Irving
The second reason the Nets should move on from Irving I actually touched on already – Ben Simmons. Simmons hasn’t played a minute yet for Brooklyn, but when he comes back he’ll no doubt expect to return to his point guard role. Simmons is an exceptional passer and defender, and though he’s a non-shooter, he would fit well with Durant.
Installing Simmons at guard instead of Irving would give the Brooklyn Nets a vastly improved defense. Even at their best this season, the defense was extremely questionable – the Nets’ D-Rating was 11th-worst in the league.
In return for Irving, the Brooklyn Nets could seek more floor-spacing defenders to surround Simmons with. A Simmons and four shooters line-up would have plenty of offensive spacing. Defensively, Durant and Simmons are two of the games’ most well-equipped. That duo would be a fantastic foundation for a contending team on both ends.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Crazy Trade Ideas Involving Brooklyn Nets Superstar Kyrie Irving
The third reason Brooklyn needs to move Irving is his contract situation. Irving has a player option of just over $36 million next season he will likely accept. Once he does, Irving will be just one season away from unrestricted free agency.
Since the Cavaliers traded Irving away, the guard has swapped teams from Boston to Brooklyn. It’s not unlikely that he would be quick to leave Brooklyn too, especially if next season is not a success.
Sending out Irving via trade while he has a year left on his deal is a way to get some level of return for the star. If Brooklyn plays out his deal, they could risk losing him for nothing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Crazy Trade Ideas Involving Brooklyn Nets Superstar Kyrie Irving
It’s not common for teams to trade stars away. The Nets find themselves in a unique situation though. Irving has struggled to stay on the court thus far in Brooklyn. The Nets also have a potentially improved replacement currently sitting on the bench.
It would shock the NBA world – but the Brooklyn Nets should strongly consider moving on from Kyrie Irving.
