Kyrie Irving trade odds: Lakers, Heat, Clippers, Mavericks favored landing spots as All-Star guard requests out of Brooklyn
Nets All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has demanded a trade.
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Here we go again with the Kyrie Irving circus. Irving tried to force his way out of Brooklyn this offseason but was unsuccessful. It hasn't affected his performance on the court, as he's playing some of the best basketball of his career and was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter, but a bombshell report emerged on Friday that Irving has demanded a trade by next Thursday's Trade Deadline. Irving also reportedly told the Nets he'll leave in free agency this summer if they don't move him.
A little over a week ago, Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, said that her client hoped to agree to a contract extension with the Nets, which makes this news so shocking. The team wasn't really keen on a long-term deal at this juncture because of all the baggage Irving carries with him. This season alone, he was suspended eight games after making a social media post promoting a book and movie that features antisemitic themes. On the court, he's a top-10 talent averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
Irving, injured teammate Kevinn Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only players in the Eastern Conference averaging at least 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season. They were all named Eastern Conference All-Star starters, along with Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. Irving might not be in the East anymore with the scheduled game on Feb. 19, although with the captain's draft format it likely won't matter which conference he might be in by then. The Nets are next in action Saturday vs. Washington.
The Lakers were favorites this summer to trade for him and have to be again, as they can essentially offer Russell Westbrook in a straight-up swap of massive contracts and then add in unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and '29. Add Irving and the newly acquired Rui Hachimura to MVP-caliber LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Lakers would immediately be NBA title contenders – they are currently +4000 at Caesars Sportsbook. The Nets have moved from +650 to +1200 with this news.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is the richest owner in the NBA, so he wouldn't care about any sort of tax bills accrued by acquiring Irving, but the Clippers might not have much the Nets would want while also making the salaries work.
Some thought the Miami Heat's championship window closed last year when it lost in Game 7 of the East Finals to Boston, but it would immediately open up again this season with Irving in the fold. After losing Jalen Brunson to the Knicks in free agency, disappointing Dallas has been looking for a second star to pair with Luka Doncic, and Christian Wood was not the answer.
The Knicks have the assets, especially draft picks, to send Brooklyn for Irving, but it seems almost unthinkable the Nets would send him to their city rivals. Devin Booker isn't available from Phoenix, but nearly everyone else might be, and the new Suns owner may be ready to make a splash. The Suns don't really need help at guard, though.
Where will Kyrie Irving be playing after the Feb. 9 Trade Deadline if not for the Nets?
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