5 Possible landing spots for Nets G Kyrie Irving before the trade deadline
The Brooklyn Nets are thrust back into the spotlight with the breaking news Friday afternoon that All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has requested a trade before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. This a semi-surprising declaration from Irving since he’s had an excellent season for the surging Nets so far outside the early off-the-court issues.
Before the All-Star break, the Nets will have less than a week to find a suitor for Irving, who is playing the best basketball of his career. There are plenty of rumored teams interested in Irving’s services, so here are five potential landing spots for Uncle Drew next week.
Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat will always have a role during NBA trade deadline week due to the reputation of team president Pat Riley for making significant acquisitions. Irving would make sense for the Heat on the court for another explosive offensive option in the backcourt. The Miami bench isn’t as deep as many other eastern conference contenders making interest in Irving valid with their injury history.
Dallas Mavericks
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The injuries and usage of All-Star Luka Doncic dominate the reasoning behind an Irving trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Owner Mark Cuban has rarely turned down a good deal in business or with roster options for his team that has yearned for more backcourt help this season. The Mavericks would probably prefer to have former Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie in a sixth-man role and insert Irving to alleviate responsibilities from Doncic.
Phoenix Suns
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The Phoenix Suns have been in freefall this season due to injuries throughout the roster of key players. Chris Paul is getting up in age and shouldn’t need to play big minutes nightly while Devin Booker fights through injuries making their interest in the Nets All-Star starter a strong possibility. The Nets were in possible talks with the Suns during the offseason about Kevin Durant’s availability, so there is already an open line between the two franchises.
Los Angeles Clippers
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The Los Angeles Clippers are an intriguing team on this list because of the relationship between Tyronn Lue and Irving from their championship run together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. The Clippers are juggling John Wall and Reggie Jackson for most of the season but could really put themselves in title contention with the addition of Irving. Paul George and Kawahi Leonard are the team’s leaders, but they need another consistent scorer during the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been the top team on Irving’s list since last offseason. Reuniting with former teammate LeBron James could be the remedy both Irving and the Lakers need moving forward as Los Angeles wants to make one more run at a title. The most significant barrier between these two teams will be trade assets and contracts to make the deal benefit Brooklyn beyond this season.
