Los Angeles Lakers solely staff recognized to be in search of Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving in a sign-and-trade deal

Outdoors of the Los Angeles Lakers, there are at the moment no recognized groups planning pursuit of sign-and-trade offers for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, sources advised ESPN.

Irving wants a commerce companion to coordinate an settlement on a deal to get a long-term, most contract, however solely the Lakers have curiosity in executing a sign-and-trade as soon as free company opens on Thursday evening, sources stated.

Thus far, the Nets have no real interest in taking again the obtainable Lakers packages, sources stated.

The uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future with the Nets continues to go away the franchise susceptible to a Kevin Durant commerce request, however that has but to materialize, sources stated. Durant has 4 years left on his contract and remained an advocate for the Nets to decide to a long-term deal for Irving, sources stated. Quite a few groups across the league are getting ready to pursue Durant, one of many elite gamers within the sport, if he turns into obtainable.

Irving has till Wednesday to decide on exercising his $36.5 million possibility on the 2022-2023 season. As soon as he opts into the deal, he is now not eligible for a sign-and-trade. The Nets might proceed working to commerce him as an expiring contract, however Irving would haven’t any formal voice in a possible touchdown spot.

Irving has nice curiosity in becoming a member of the Lakers, sources stated, which he might do by declining the $36.5 million possibility and signing with Los Angeles for the $6 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

The Nets have been reluctant to supply Irving a long-term contract, which is what he is wished to stay with Brooklyn, sources stated. Brooklyn appears to need to maintain onto leverage with Irving on his contractual standing, particularly after his lack of availability the previous two years.