The Brooklyn Nets learned a long time ago that there would never be a dull moment with Kyrie Irving.
With the NBA Trade Deadline rapidly approaching, team owner Joe Tsai and Co. just got a fresh reminder.
“Irving has told the franchise that he wants to be traded ahead of Thursday’s deadline,” ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted on Friday afternoon.
“There were some talks on a new deal for Irving, but no deal was reached and a trade request was delivered to the organization today, sources tell ESPN. Irving can leave the franchise this summer as a free agent.”
Brooklyn’s reluctance to invest long-term in Irving is understandable. The two sides have had a difficult relationship up to this point.
Shortly after the Irving announcement came, rumors that he may be bound for the Los Angeles Lakers began to intensify. L.A. made a sizeable trader offer for Irving just a few months ago, and all signs point to them still having interest in the 30-year-old.
Amid the Nets news dropping and all the Lakers trade rumors, Irving took to social media and sent out a cryptic message.
To my Peers: JUST BE YOURSelf and GROW!
Keep people around who CELEBRATE YOU unconditionally and appreciates all of the hard work that gets put in.Distance yourself from the folks who manipulate, hate, and hurt.
Hélà
🤞🏾♾— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) February 3, 2023
It will be fascinating to see where all parties involved go from here. The Lakers have been aggressively seeking out ways to improve ahead of the deadline.
The team is one of five linked to a potential Zach LaVine trade with the Chicago Bulls, plus has been connected to a completely separate three-team trade.
Pau’s gift to Vanessa. https://t.co/R8PFpkpGCx
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 3, 2023
Whether the prospect of getting Irving is more appealing to them than those moves or not is unclear.
Irving is a deeply talented player, but obviously also comes with a lot of headaches. With the Lakers determine that the juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to him? One way or the other, an answer should emerge over the next seven days.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
