The Los Angeles Clippers are actively engaging Brooklyn in trade talks for Kyrie Irving, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Irving requested a trade from the Nets on Friday, prompting the team to begin conversations with a number of teams to find the best fit for their All–Star point guard.
The Clippers, who are in need of an upgrade at the point guard position, are among the teams that have expressed interest in Irving and have made a “strong offer” to the Nets, according to The Athletic’s Law Murray. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is also interested in reuniting with Irving, as the two spent time together in Cleveland.
Kyrie Irving has been unhappy with the extension offer that Brooklyn presented to him last week and is looking for a deal close to the maximum $198.5m over four years that he’s eligible to receive. If he’s traded, he can sign a two–year extension with his new team worth up to $78.6m through the end of June.
The Los Angeles Lakers have also been linked to Irving, as Wojnarowski reports that there is a “strong mutual interest” between Irving and the Lakers that dates back to last summer when he was considering whether to pick up his option for the current season. Sources describe the Lakers as a “motivated suitor” for Irving and say LeBron James is “an immense proponent” of dealing for his former Cavaliers teammate.
The Nets are intent on getting a return that will keep them in title contention and appear determined to work out a deal for Irving before Thursday’s trade deadline. It remains to be seen which team will land the All–Star guard, but it’s clear that the Clippers and Lakers are both in the running.
