NBA Rumors: Teams inclined to trade for Kyrie Irving would prefer him to commit to a shorter deal
Kyrie Irving's trade demand has sent the NBA into a frenzy. The Brooklyn Nets were just starting to click as a unit and looked like legitimate contenders. However, after negotiations over a possible extension between Irving and the Nets broke down, the player requested a move.
NBA rumors suggest a trade is imminent at this stage. SNY TV's Ian Begley shared some crucial information regarding Irving's trade prospects, saying:
"A team not only has to satisfy what the Nets want but they also have to be conifdent that Kyrie Irving is going to re-sign with them. Now I know several teams that have a degree of interest in Irving would like him to commit to a shorter deal, a two-year deal."
@Honda"Several teams that have a degree of interest in Irving would like him to commit to a shorter deal"
@IanBegley joins @ChelseaSherrod to discuss the latest on the Kyrie Irving trade front and which teams are best positioned to land him:
➡️ @Honda https://t.co/zHkhCztKsN
Irving will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. With the Nets asking for significant assets from teams, possible suitors will want assurances from Irving's camp about striking a deal to extend his stay beyond this season.
According to multiple reports, the Brooklyn Nets tried to add stipulations to Kyrie Irving's extension, leading to the two parties failing to reach an agreement. This is a complicated aspect of trading for Irving. He hasn't been a reliable presence due to his off-court antics, hampering his chances of securing a long-term deal.
LA Lakers remain frontrunners to land Kyrie Irving
The LA Lakers were among the few teams showing interest in Kyrie Irving last offseason when the Brooklyn Nets appeared reluctant to offer the player an extension. Irving eventually opted into his $36 million player option and stayed put.
Just when it seemed like things in Brooklyn were improving for Irving, he demanded a trade. The eight-time All-Star was reportedly interested in a reunion with LeBron James back then, and nothing seems to have changed now.
Kyrie Irving and the Lakers have maintained a mutual interest. The only stumbling block is the framework of a potential deal. The Nets aren't willing to let Irving go without securing decent compensation.
However, with his contract running out at the end of the season, the Nets don't hold much leverage and may have to agree to a trade that doesn't fulfill their needs, as they would risk losing him for nothing.
The LA Lakers need to make upgrades right away to jump to the top and contend for a championship, so they appear to be the ideal trade partners for the Nets. It remains to be seen if the Lakers trust Irving enough to offer him the standard four-year deal he covets.