The Brooklyn Nets seem like they just can’t keep their stars happy. After James Harden successfully forced a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers and Kevin Durant requested a trade in the summer before changing his mind, now it’s the star point guard Kyrie Irving’s turn to look for a way out.
According to multiple reports around the league, Irving officially requested to be traded from the Nets on Friday. The move apparently came after the two sides couldn’t agree on a new contract extension. The 30-year-old player is set to become a free agent after the 2022-23 NBA season after picking up his $36.9 million player option in the summer.
Irving is eligible to sign a four-year, $198.5 million maximum extension with the Nets, but the franchise reportedly doesn’t want to tie up that kind of money in a player that was involved in a number of controversies off the court. Brooklyn was willing to make a deal but wanted to include partial guarantees and a series of conditions, something that didn’t sit well with the 8-time All-Star.
There are several teams reportedly interested in acquiring Kyrie Irving before the trade deadline on Thursday, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are considered Irving’s preferred option, but it is unclear whether they can put together an offer that will appeal to the Nets.
Irving has been playing at a high level this season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He has been particularly on a tear since mid-January, scoring 30+ points in six out of his last eight games.
