Reports: Nets, Lakers begin talks to swap Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 20, 2022 in Boston. Credit: Getty Images/Maddie Meyer
With reports that Kyrie Irving would like to join up with his former teammate, LeBron James, the Nets reportedly are in preliminary talks with the Lakers on a trade that would bring Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn.
According to a report from yahoo.com’s Chris Haynes, the teams have talked about a deal with the two controversial point guards as the main components. The Nets also are trying to unload the two years and $38 million due to Joe Harris.
Irving, who opted into his $36.9 million option for the upcoming season, now is on the trading block along with Kevin Durant three years after the two joined forces and signed in Brooklyn. While Durant may bring a huge return, finding a taker for Irving might not be so easy after his constant off-court drama throughout his tenure in Brooklyn as well as his previous stops.
While Irving wanted out of Cleveland when he was playing in James’ shadow, the two have mended their relationship, and Irving’s talent is unquestionable. But after playing in only 29 games last season and 103 in three seasons for a variety of reasons that left him missing, he has worn out his welcome in Brooklyn.
That opens the door for one of the more toxic contracts, the $47 million he is due this season. His career has taken a downturn and he is not nearly the player he once was.
Westbrook has been on the move from Oklahoma City, where he teamed up with Durant, to Houston, Washington and Los Angeles. His explosive athleticism has failed to make up for his struggles shooting the ball in a league that has become more and more reliant on the three-point shot.
Westbrook shot just 29.8% from beyond the arc, the eighth season in his career that he shot under 30%.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
