Breaking: Kyrie Irving requests a trade from Brooklyn Nets, confirms Shams Charania
In a shocking turn of events, Kyrie Irving has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Shams Charania of The Athletic recently reported that the All-Star guard has informed the team that he wants to be moved or will leave in free agency.
Breaking: Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving has requested a trade, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The franchise has been informed that Irving prefers to move on ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline – or will leave in free agency in July.
This is not the first time Kyrie Irving has asked the front office to move him. Many thought his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets was over this summer before he opted into his player option.
Despite all the off-the-court drama this year, Irving has been an elite talent on the court. He was recently named an All-Star starter after averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists across his first 40 games.
Before Kevin Durant was sidelined with inury, he and Irving carried Brooklyn to a top spot in the Eastern Conference. Even with the former MVP out, they are still in fourth place with a record of 31-20. With a championship on their mind, the Nets' front office now has to find a suitable return for one of its star players.
For the second deadline in a row, Brooklyn has been forced to move one of its top talents. James Harden was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons last year, and now Kyrie Irving wishes for a new change of scenery. With less than a week until the deadline, the front office has its work cut out for them.
Trading for Kyrie Irving is a huge gamble
While Kyrie Irving might want to be moved, it's not going to be that easy. For multiple reasons, any team that tries to acquire him will be taking a huge risk.
The first thing that sticks out is his contract. Since he walk this offseason in free agency, suitors won't be willing to move valuable assets in a trade. On top of that, the only teams that might try to land him are ones that feel they have a shot to re-sign him this summer.
Another major factor in all this is Irving's reputation in the league. Since he is known as a wild card, it might deter from most teams putting in an offer. While there is no denying his abilities on the court, his availability is always in question.
Despite all these things to consider, some team might come along and roll the dice on a trade. At the end of the day, he is an elite-level scorer who can put any potenital contender in the mix to win a title.