As Sunday evening rolled in, more information on the Kyrie Irving trade came in. The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks were the finalists for the All-Star point guard, and boy, were some of the trade packages absolutely insane.
Chris Haynes reported that the Lakers ponied up both the 2027 and 2029 first round picks that are supposedly super coveted throughout the league, as well as Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract. The draft picks don’t keep the Brooklyn Nets competitive right now, but definitely would help them out down the road.
Could you imagine Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant teaming up? What a blast that could have been… Oh, wait.
The Lakers finally gave into LeBron’s demands and offered up their last two first round draft picks to get him some help. With the trade deadline only a couple of days away, there’s no telling what those picks could get the Lakers. It’s looking like they may have to stand pat, and waste a golden LeBron year.
The most incredible part of Kyrie not getting traded to the Lakers is that Nets owner, Joe Tsai, refused to trade him to his preferred destination. Which was…the Lakers. Talk about petty season.
Since Kyrie’s trade request a few days ago, it was known that the Lakers and Mavericks were in on the deal. The third team was the most surprising, the Phoenix Suns emerged as a suitor in the sweepstakes.
Haynes, again, reported this information, but the Suns offered up Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and some bundle of first and second round picks. The Nets are most definitely still contending with that package, and they got a pick back. I’m incredibly confused as to why the Nets didn’t jump at that offer as opposed to the Mavericks offer of Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first round pick, and two second round picks.
The Suns are in somewhat of a spiral without Paul and Devin Booker in the lineup. Crowder hasn’t suited up for the team at all this season, and was granted permission to go find his own trade. Deandre Ayton hates playing for the Suns. There are so many things wrong with this team, and they tried to bring in Kyrie Irving??? That’s certainly a move.
With more information on the Kyrie Irving trade coming out, I’m sure the NBA trade deadline will not be a snooze fest.
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