Kyrie Irving shocked the NBA on Friday, after requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the February 9 trade deadline.
The superstar guard wants to move from the franchise either now, via a trade, or in the summer as a free agent, after the two sides didn’t reach an agreement on a new deal.
There were some talks on a new deal for Irving, but no deal was reached and a trade request was delivered to the organization today, sources tell ESPN. Irving can leave the franchise this summer as a free agent. https://t.co/vnNWbUW56S
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2023
Based on some NBA insiders, four powerhouses in the East and West are expected to show interest to land Kyrie Irving. These teams are the LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns.
List of teams that are buzzing around some league circles right now – Lakers, Heat, Mavs – some are speculating about the Suns. Obviously, the Nets don’t have to do anything either
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 3, 2023
ESPN Sources: Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving has not shared a list of preferred teams, but he has maintained an interest in the Lakers. LA is expected to be among the teams that’ll explore a possible trade with the Nets.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2023
It is unclear if Kyrie Irving, who is eligible for a four-year contract worth as much as $200M, has any preferred trade destinations. The superstar guard is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season.
The Brooklyn Nets (31-20, fourth in West), who are coming off a 43-point loss vs the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, open a five-game homestand on Saturday vs the Washington Wizards.
They play six of their last seven games before the All-Star break at home, with their only game away from Barclays Center being the one vs the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
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
