Kyrie Irving Has Officially Requested A Trade From The Brooklyn Nets

By Alex Benjamin

Photo by Frank Franklin II / Associated Press

You know, things were quiet, maybe a little too quiet with 6 days to go before the NBA trade deadline. The only real rumors we got today were the Heat were interested in players we all know they aren't going to get.

But this? This is real and it's massive.

Kyrie Irving, one of the most talented point guards in the NBA, has recently requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. This news has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, as Irving has been a key player for the Nets since joining the team in 2019.

Irving signed with the Nets in July 2019, joining forces with fellow superstar Kevin Durant. Irving helped lead the Nets to the playoffs. Despite a disappointing exit from the playoffs, Irving's performance solidified his status as one of the top players in the league.

However, things have taken a turn in recent months. Irving has been dealing with personal issues, including a suspension that kept him out of several games this season. On top of that, the Nets have struggled to find their rhythm, leading many to question whether Irving is the right fit for the team.

It's unclear what the future holds for Kyrie Irving, but one thing is for certain: he is one of the most sought-after players in the league. With his unique combination of scoring ability and playmaking skills, he is sure to generate a lot of interest from teams looking to add a star player to their roster.

The Nets will have to weigh their options carefully as they consider the best way to proceed. It's possible they will look to trade Irving for a package of players and draft picks, or they may choose to keep him on the roster and hope he can turn things around.

No matter what happens, Kyrie Irving's request for a trade has put the Brooklyn Nets in a difficult position. They will have to make a decision that is in the team's best interests, while also considering the future of one of the league's most talented players.

This comes just a few months after Kevin Durant demanded a trade, only to walk back on his request.

Kyrie's trade request is a major development as the trade deadline approaches. It's no secret that the Nets have been struggling, and with Ben Simmons still not playing at his best, the situation only seems to be getting worse.

Many are speculating that Kyrie might be headed for a swap with Russell Westbrook. However, this might not be the best move for the Nets, as Kyrie is a player that not many teams would want to build around. Additionally, with his contract expiring after this season, it might be tough for the Nets to get anything of real value in return.

If the Nets do decide to trade Kyrie, it's possible that they could blow up the team and start fresh. But this would mean giving up on their hopes of contending in the East, especially once Durant returns. A lineup with Westbrook and Simmons would be a disaster, especially for poor Durant who would hate his life even more.

It seems likely that Kyrie will be traded in the next few days. With LeBron James already rumored to be demanding a trade to the Lakers, "it's anyone's guess where Kyrie will end up." But one thing is for sure, the Nets won't miss the headache that comes with a player like Kyrie. His talent only takes a team so far, and the Nets fans will be just fine without him.

Here is a look at some possible teams Kyrie could go to:

Shams Charania

@ShamsCharania

The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

Los Angeles Lakers

Image via: Silver Screen and Roll

I think this is the most likely destination for Kyrie. I don't believe we need to break down the Lakers; everyone understands by now that the trade will have to revolve around Russell Westbrook and the unprotected 2027 and 2029 choices. We get it, LeBron wants him, thus the Lakers are on board. This is old news.

Dallas Mavericks

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

This is intriguing because if you've ever watched the Mavericks play, you know Luka's usage is ridiculous. Their fans have been demanding Mark Cuban to bring Luka additional help all season, and I believe Kyrie meets those criteria in terms of basketball talent. Kyrie is making $34 million, the cap situation is tough for the Mavericks.

It's crucial to note that the Mavericks are in the same boat as the Nets with Christian Wood. Neither player received an extension, and both are free to depart their teams this summer. Given the requirement to reach $34 million, I wouldn't be surprised if someone like Wood is added, even if the Nets have Nic Claxton on the roster.

From there, you'll need roughly $20 million. Bertans and Josh Green, maybe? Assuming the picks included are whatever is required to complete the trade, are the Mavericks any better off in terms of salary alternatives if they go this route? I believe they are on paper, especially if they receive assurance that Kyrie will remain in DAL. Ball handling has been a position of need for the Mavericks all season, and we know Cuban must keep Luka happy. This might not be the best talent package the Nets might be able to get, but they might just have to take what they can get.

Phoenix Suns

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If I were in charge of the Suns, I'd prefer to have KD than Kyrie. Seeing the Suns is surprising considering Chris Paul is there, but Paul's current salary is $28 million, and he has one more guaranteed year at $30 million before a non-guaranteed $30 million in 2024-25. If the Suns are already searching for ways to get out of the CP3 agreement, it's easy to see why they'd be interested in Kyrie Irving. Pairing Paul with KD isn't the worst idea in the world for the Nets.

​​From the Nets' perspective, Paul/Crowder/whatever is required may make sense. It provides them some short-term security at the point guard position, Crowder has an expiring contract, so he's not taking up future money because he's already 32, and you throw in some picks and maybe the Nets bite.

Do the Nets really require someone like Crowder? Given the sorts of wings the Nets will most likely have to defend in a playoff series, a rested Crowder may make sense for them, and he and Paul certainly line up financially.

You also can't rule out a change in ownership. We see it all the time, new owners love to make a big first impression. If the franchise is going to move on from Paul anyway, maybe you just roll the dice and hope for the best.

It wouldn't surprise me if we heard from teams like MIA (Lowry's $30 million), UTA (Conley's $22 million), LAC (a bunch of mid-sized contracts and PG need), and MIN ( DLO’s $31 million expiring) in the coming days.

But, in terms of the teams being reported right now, are you buying any of them, or are they all just leverage moves by BKN to convince the Lakers to give up both unprotected picks? Only time will tell.