He’s a man that just can’t keep himself out of the headlines.
Kyrie Irving has requested another trade from the Brooklyn Nets ahead of next week’s deadline, the second time he has done so since the offseason, according to ESPN. Irving is set to become a free agent, and seemingly plans on leaving the organization as the two sides have not been able to work out an extension.
It’s a bizarre time for Irving to request the trade, considering the Nets are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings and set to get Kevin Durant back from his MCL injury before the All-Star break. It now remains to be seen if Durant will want to leave at the deadline as well.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as suitors for Irving .
A move to the Lakers would reunite Irving and LeBron James, ironic considering Irving requested a trade when the two were teammates with the Cavs in 2017.
Irving had previously requested to be sign-and-traded ahead of the season before deciding to opt into the final year of his four-year max contract. It was believed that the market for Irving was not competitive and made it difficult for the Nets to find a trade partner.