The Brooklyn Nets currently have two superstars on their roster. If Kyrie Irving decides to leave the organization, how will Brooklyn fare?
Acquiring a superstar increases the odds of winning a championship. Throughout the last few years, teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers have worked to establish an impressive starting lineup.
When the Nets signed Kyrie Irving in 2019, fans believed that Brooklyn would be the next Finals favorite. After three seasons of unfulfilled potential, Brooklyn’s point guard is ready to part ways.
The Brooklyn Nets need more commitment from Kyrie Irving
The 2021-22 season hurt Irving’s reputation among teammates and throughout the association. His decision to disregard the league’s COVID-19 mandates resulted in him missing a plethora of regular-season games.
Efforts from All-Star Kevin Durant were noticed- but were not enough to take Brooklyn over the hump, and the Nets fell into the Play-In Tournament. His 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists weren’t enough without his scoring sidekick.
Despite missing 53 games, Irving is still considered one of the best guards in the association. Kyrie’s 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in 29 games could be enough for owners to take a chance on adding him to their roster.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving has requested for the Nets to work with specific teams to make a trade happen (if he can’t come to an agreement with Brooklyn). The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks are teams that have gained the veteran’s interest.
ESPN Sources: If Kyrie Irving can’t reach an agreement to stay with Brooklyn, he has a list of teams he’d like them to consider on sign-and-trades, including Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavs and 76ers. None of those teams have cap space to sign him without Nets’ help.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
Kyrie Irving is an asset to any team in the NBA
Welcoming Kyrie takes more than opening a few doors. Although Irving can score at will, owners are concerned with his decisions concerning teamwork. If an organization decides to invest in the former NBA champion, will they see a return?
Finalizing a deal to acquire one of the league’s best guards will require more than an evaluation of character. A sign and trade deal would cost the negotiating party more than their budget allows. The Heat, Lakers, and Mavericks would be ideal landing spots for Irving, but the price may be too steep.
Steve Nash and the Nets must handle their negotiations with Irving wisely. If their star point guard decides to relocate, similar thoughts might follow Kevin Durant. Irving has until next Wednesday to opt into a $36.9 million dollar deal with the team. On paper, the Brooklyn Nets are a few pieces shy of competing for a Larry O’Brien trophy, but their future success will rely on Irving’s decision to stay.