Kyrie Irving has made headlines by requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, "The Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns -- among others -- have been engaging with the Nets since Irving's trade demand Friday, sources said. And now the Clippers -- who've been in the trade market for a point guard -- are probing a possible deal too, sources said."
Irving's possible landing spot with the Lakers has caused much speculation in the NBA. Wojnarowski reports that "there's strong mutual interest between him and the Lakers that goes back to the summer. Sources said that LeBron James is an immense proponent of making a deal for his former Cavaliers teammate, and the Lakers are operating as a motivated suitor for Irving."
The trade talks are ongoing as the Nets are determined to find a deal ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. Wojnarowski adds, "Brooklyn has been working to find deals that can keep the Nets in contention with the relatively imminent return of All-NBA star Kevin Durant, who has been out since mid-January with an MCL sprain."
According to Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report, the reason for Irving's trade request was not about money, as he "did not negotiate after Brooklyn Nets presented an offer that was tied to the team winning a championship." Haynes reports that the issue was not about money, and now it's said that Irving "wouldn't even stay if offered a full max contract."
Irving is in the final year of a contract that pays him $36.9 million, and he is seeking a four-year, $198.5 million maximum extension. If he is traded, he will be eligible to sign a two-year, $78.6 million extension with his new team until June 30.
In conclusion, the NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the future of Kyrie Irving remains uncertain. With multiple teams pursuing the talented point guard, only time will tell where he will end up.
Sources:
ESPN, "Sources: Clippers join trade talks for Nets' Kyrie Irving"
HoopsRumors, "Clippers part of Kyrie Irving trade talks"
NYPost, “Kyrie Irving Out”