Nets requiring win-now talent in trade for Kyrie Irving
With superstar Kevin Durant reiterating his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, the franchise has an uncertain future with the regular season just around the season.
With reports that the Lakers are willing to include their first-round picks in a package for Irving, the Nets stance is that they’re unwilling to move the seven-time All-Star unless they retain “win-now talent.” NBA insider Marc Stein reported Brooklyn’s trade intentions with Irving.
The Nets’ current stance, sources say, is that they are unwilling to send out Irving in a trade if the deal solely brings back future assets. They apparently want win-now talent in return to part with Irving, despite all of the turmoil that has engulfed the Nets for months. Yet sources say that the prospect of acquiring a focused Irving, or a similarly splashy acquisition, does still hold that kind of appeal to the Lakers even at the costly price. Sources confirm that they would be willing to surrender both firsts in tandem with Westbrook’s $47.1 million expiring contract to acquire Irving (although it’s unclear if the picks would be unprotected or protected). I’m told, however, that the Nets have steadfastly rejected that pitch.
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