The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly discussing a trade centered around Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.
It has been quite the week for the Brooklyn Nets. Days after Kyrie Irving announced he was exercising his player option for next season, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the team. Once that bombshell dropped, Los Angeles Lakers fans probably wondered if that reopened the door for a potential Irving trade.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, the Lakers and Nets are “actively engaged in discussions on a trade package” that would send Irving to Los Angeles and Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn.
Haynes says that while there is optimism that a deal can be reached this offseason, there are some obstacles.
Lakers, Nets reportedly discussing Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook trade package
Per Haynes, “draft compensation is an ongoing talking point for the Nets.” Also, Brooklyn wants Joe Harris included in the deal, as he is still owed $38.6 million over the next two years. Haynes brings up that the Lakers are “disinclined to the inclusion of Harris,” and want Seth Curry as part of the deal.
Haynes later tweeted that the Nets “maintain discussions have only been preliminary at this point.”
Irving was in search of a new deal with the Nets this offseason, but no agreement could be reached. The guard did seek sign-and-trade destinations, but ultimately chose to pick up his $36.5 million option.
Westbrook was brought on by the Lakers this last offseason to help the team make a return to the NBA Finals. He struggled in his first season in Los Angeles, and the team finished 11th in the Western Conference, missing the play-in tournament altogether.
This offseason, Wesetbrook picked up his $47 million player option.
Will both sides be able to agree to terms on a trade that sends Irving to the Lakers to reunite with LeBron James, and Westbrook to Brooklyn? We will just have to wait and see, along with where Durant is traded to.