Jan 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers guard Patrick Beverley (21) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Just when things appeared to be on the straight and narrow, the Brooklyn Nets were once again thrust into self-inflicted superstar melodrama when Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the franchise mere days before the trade deadline.
Here are three trade packages for Irving we’re most likely to see between now and Thursday.
Nets get: Russell Westbrook, one or both of 2027 and 2029 first round picks, with possible protections
Lakers get: Kyrie Irving
This is the deal the field, and maybe Brooklyn, is fighting against. A reunion with LeBron James, a historic franchise struggling to build a winning team around his few remaining peak years, and an outcome available via free agency if not a trade.
The Nets draw the short end of the stick, depending on how the protections on Los Angeles’ picks shake out. They could nab Brooklyn their next young star if unprotected and far enough out for a Lakers flameout.
A Westbrook-Durant reunion doesn’t spark excitement in 2023, if Brooklyn even wants to retain the former, or can retain the latter. If you can think far enough ahead to wonder how Westbrook and Ben Simmons fit together, good luck.
On paper, there’s sure to be better deals out there. But what leverage is there with Irving’s impending free agency and strong interest from the Lakers? Fans may have to swallow this as the eventual, appropriately sore, ending to this miserable saga.
Jan 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) brings the ball up court against Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nets get: Tim Hardaway Jr., Christian Wood, possible draft compensation
Mavericks get: Kyrie Irving
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