Kyrie Irving has caused quite the commotion in the NBA world with his trade request. It is now evident that Irving wants to leave the Brooklyn Nets. The trade request has come as a shock to many, mainly because of how the Nets have been performing this season. They boast 31 wins and 20 losses and are 4th seed in the East right now. With that said, the NBA community has pointed an interesting detail out after Kyrie’s request.
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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
Reports of his wish to leave New York emerged on February 3, 2023. And right after this, the Nets have a game scheduled against the Washington Wizards. Many expected Irving to make an appearance for the last time as a Nets player at the Barclays Center. However, it was only revealed very recently that Kyrie will be missing the game with right calf soreness.
Brooklyn Nets say Kyrie Irving (right calf soreness) is out tonight against Washington Wizards.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 4, 2023
This ultimately raised fans’ eyebrows as some pointed out what happened exactly a year ago. On February 3, 2022, James Harden requested a trade to leave the Nets as well. And to fans’ shock, he was also listed as out for the game that followed the next day. This has certainly been a huge surprise to us all.
February 4, 2022: James Harden is ruled OUT after requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
February 4, 2023: Kyrie Irving is ruled OUT after requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
Same day 1 year apart 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/uCssEtkXxO
— Guru (@DrGuru_) February 4, 2023
James Harden joined the Philadelphia 76ers after a long saga of rumors. The Sixers traded Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond along with a couple of draft picks.
Who could trade for Kyrie Irving?
The Los Angeles Lakers are believed to be one of the suitors for the Nets superstar. Fans have demanded that Kyrie should sign a deal with the Lakers and be reunited with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James. However, these rumors have been baseless until now as talks are still ongoing. The Dallas Mavericks are also one of the teams that are interested in acquiring Kyrie. Sources claim that Mark Cuban and Nico Harrison are looking for a suitable player to partner with Luka Doncic. However, Kyrie’s age and his contract demands seem to be an issue for the Mavs.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
Kyrie joined the Nets on a 4-year contract worth $136,490,600. He will be a free agent in the summer of 2023, which means the Nets have to find a destination for Kyrie as soon as possible. If they fail to do so, Kyrie could leave the franchise in July as a free agent. The Nets should capitalize on his market value right now when he is still at the top of his game.
Irving remains as one of the best players in the league after numerous controversies off the court. There are several teams who would welcome Kyrie into the team to challenge for the NBA title. Only time will tell how big of a turn Kyrie’s career takes in the coming days.
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