“He’s gonna be a rental player at best” - NBA analyst says Kyrie Irving’s value is at an all-time low
Kyrie Irving's contract situation has created more chaos within the Brooklyn Nets than expected. The star guard has been reluctant to sign an extension to keep him at the franchise. The organization will be looking to restructure with Kevin Durant requesting to be traded away.
The duo could make their way to the LA Lakers as rumored, leaving Ben Simmons, who is yet to play a game since joining the franchise last summer.
NBA analyst Brian Windhorst spoke about the difficulties the Nets will face to find a trade destination for Irving. He also stated that Irving’s value is relatively low as he is only a "rental player at best."
"One of the big challenges is, it's hard to trade a 36 million dollar contract," Windhorst said. "It's especially hard to trade a 36 million dollar contract if you're in a restructuring situation with your team.
"The amount of players that the Nets can sign, maybe they trade Durant for four or five players. Kyrie's value is very low, he's going to be a rental player at best."
Brian Windhorst suggests a Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook trade makes sense for the LA Lakers
The LA Lakers have been unable to let go of Russell Westbrook as they have refused to part with future first-round picks. Trading Kyrie Irving for the all-time triple-double leader would allow the Lakers to save first-round picks.
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is opting into his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season, @TheAthletic @Stadium has learned. Irving is bypassing on multiple opt-in and trade scenarios to fulfill his four-year commitment to the Nets and Kevin Durant.
Windhorst suggested that this is the only Lakers trade that works, but the fact that Westbrook's contract is more expensive than Irving's might pose a problem.
"He wanted to be in Brooklyn allegedly, and looked the way he behaved," Windhorst said. "What happens if he gets into a place he didn't want to be. He's made it clear that he wants to be a Laker.
"The trade that makes sense is Russell Westbrook. But Russell Westbrook makes 47 million dollars. It works in terms of NBA trade rules but it doesn't work on the books."