NBA Trades: Analyzing B/R’s Kyrie Irving for Kristaps Porzingis trade
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: Would the Brooklyn Nets possibly make this trade for Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson?
The Nets are off to a fantastic start this season with a 14-5 overall record – the best in the entire Eastern Conference. As everyone knows, this has all been done without Irving, who has not played in a single game this season due to his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine and the mandates that he faces in Brooklyn.
With Irving giving no indication that he will eventually get vaccinated and return, would the Nets legitimately cut ties with him in a trade? This trade is interesting, as it would give them a pair of players ready to contribute right now.
Kristaps Porzingis, a one-time All-Star, is currently having a solid season with the Mavericks by averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. The big man would give the Nets a solid third option alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden that is capable of scoring the basketball from behind the arc or inside while providing some solid rim protection. He would fit in seamlessly with this group, giving them a clear-cut starting power forward or center.
A compelling variable in this is the potential long game for the Nets, specifically the playoffs. Aside from injuries, the biggest reason for Brooklyn’s downfall in last year’s playoffs was their inability to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had a great seven-game series.
This year, the Nets have an assortment of players in Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldrige, Nicolas Claxton, and Paul Millsap to send at the Greek Freak, but a player like Porzingis would help drastically. Although he is not exactly an elite defender, the 7-foot-3 Porzingis would give the Nets a big body to throw at Antetokounmpo in an attempt to slow him down during a potential playoff series.
Brunson would also be a great addition to this deal, as he is certainly not just a throw-in after he finished fourth in the 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year voting. He is among the best reserves in the league, and the guard is currently having a career year, averaging 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
The Nets could hypothetically start Brunson or send him to the bench to play behind Patty Mills, giving them a lethal one-two punch at the point guard position.
The Nets could be even more dangerous with these two in the fold.