NBA Trade Rumors: Eastern Conference heavyweights might join the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes
Kyrie Irving continues to be on the Brooklyn Nets' payroll. But a trade could be in the works, with the LA Lakers among the frontrunners to secure his signature. This is primarily due to LeBron James wanting to reunite with his former teammate.
However, according to NBA insider Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports, the Lakers might face stiff competition from the Miami Heat. The Heat have reportedly shown interest in acquiring either Kevin Durant or Irving from the Nets, with the latter likely to be a much cheaper option.
"I mentioned the Mavericks, and I mentioned the Phoenix Suns, But I think the Miami Heat could be in play for either Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant.
"If I'm Miami or I'm looking at Brooklyn, I'm looking at a possible situation where Miami could make Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, and Max Strus available as well as a first-round pick for Kyrie Irving and a second-round pick," Robinson said.
The Miami Heat also remain interested in Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz. However, the steep asking price for both KD and Mitchell might prompt Heat President Pat Riley to focus on Irving instead.
Kyrie Irving in his 3 season with the Nets:
27.1 PPG
4.7 RPG
6.0 APG
1.4 SPG
49.0 FG%
40.6 3P%
92.0 FT%
6 playoff wins
Time to reunite with LeBron? https://t.co/yHNec2Vk6U
Where will Kyrie Irving end up?
Until this week, reports suggested that the LA Lakers were the only team actively interested in Kyrie Irving. This makes sense, given the franchise's horrendous 2021-22 season with Russell Westbrook running the point.
Reports emerged of Westbrook being involved in a trade package to sign Irving and Joe Harris. But that required the Lakers to send a couple of draft picks to the Nets, which they were unwilling to do.
On the 3 year anniversary of their signing with the Nets, it appears the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving partnership might be over.
Over the last 3 years, the Nets played 247 games. Brooklyn had both Durant and Irving on the court together for a total of 58 of those games (23%). https://t.co/0tlEE186h8
This has opened the door for the Miami Heat. Pat Riley could sanction a trade package that involves Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro for Irving. The Nets will be getting the reigning Sixth Man of the Year and a veteran with championship experience whose contract expires in the summer of 2024.