The Brooklyn Nets have themselves in a tight situation after star point guard Kyrie Irving shocked the NBA world and requested a trade on Friday afternoon. This comes after the two sides could not reach an agreement on a contract extension.
Irving, 30, is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field in 40 games this season. One would think a massive return is necessary; however, other circumstances have derailed his true value.
The Nets have multiple reasons to trade Irving but one report from a prominent member of ESPN makes it more likely that he will be competing with a new team after the NBA trade deadline on February 9.
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Kyrie Irving is reportedly “prepared” to sit out the rest of the NBA season if not moved by Brooklyn
With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching, the rumors of Irving’s likely departure from Brooklyn become stronger. The Nets intend to bench Irving until a trade is finalized ahead of the NBA trade deadline, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
It suggests that Brooklyn is determined to move the point guard and doesn’t want to risk any type of injury. However, what if a scenario comes up where the Nets can’t find a viable trade partner with a good package?
Well, the results could end up being disastrous. According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on NBA Countdown, Irving is preparing to sit out the rest of the 2022-23 NBA season if the Nets do not move him at the trade deadline.
This would end up being a nightmare scenario for Brooklyn. The team would not receive any value for Irving as he is an unrestricted free agent this summer and it would become a major distraction overall.
It’s pretty simple for Brooklyn. With the new report that Irving is willing to sit out the rest of the season, the organization needs to move him in the next few days. It’s clear he will never wear a Nets uniform ever again, even if no trade is performed.
There are a few teams that are in pursuit of Irving, including the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns have previously been considered the favorite to land his services.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been named a “motivated suitor” for Irving, and superstar forward LeBron James is pushing for a move to reunite the two stars from their days with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There is reportedly a strong mutual interest between Irving and the Lakers. As for the team across the street from the Lakers, the Clippers want to pair him with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to create the NBA’s new “Big 3.”
Brooklyn should be motivated to move the All-Star guard because of many reasons. However, the possibility of Irving sitting out the rest of the year is not out of the picture yet.