After LeBron James signed an extension with the LA Lakers, the rumors of Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving swap have ramped up again. The four-time MVP is reportedly adamant that the Lakers aggressively go after his former teammate Irving to improve their chances of winning an NBA title.
The Lakers supposedly assured James that they will include the team’s two future first-round picks to get the Brooklyn Nets point guard. Brooklyn, however, may have no intention of trading Irving for Westbrook.
Tim MacMahon, on NBA Today, frankly dismissed any idea of the Nets’ reported inclination to accommodate the Lakers via an Irving-Westbrook swap:
“Anything is possible except for a KD, Russ reunion. Stop it!”
LA’s two future first-round picks may look enticing, but everyone in the NBA knew Russell Westbrook was a big reason why Kevin Durant left Oklahoma. Nets team owner Joe Tsai could certainly do without any more drama among his superstars.
The KD and “Russ” partnership did not result in any championship and probably won’t deliver one at this stage in Westbrook’s career. Mr. Triple-Double had his worst season in more than a decade with the Lakers. Although he’s still a capable player, it’s highly doubtful the Nets will pin their hopes on the nine-time All-Star to lead them to the championship.
More importantly, Kevin Durant wanted out even with Kyrie Irving still in the lineup. How much more could he want to bolt if Brooklyn trades “Kai” for Russell Westbrook?
Russell Westbrook could still put up incredible numbers as the playmaker in Brooklyn while being surrounded by shooters like KD, Joe Harris and Seth Curry. It’s a proven formula that can win regular-season games but won’t move the needle for a team with championship aspirations.
A lineup featuring “Russ” and Ben Simmons could also be a pain to figure out for head coach Steve Nash and the coaching staff. Both are non-shooters and prefer to handle the ball and set up teammates. The Nets could be better off with the Australian as he has the size and defensive acumen to make up for his miserable shooting.
The Brooklyn Nets, though, don’t have a ton of draft capital after they acquired James Harden from the Houston Rockets. They also face the prospect of Kyrie Irving walking away for nothing after playing out the final year of his contract. These may be the reasons Brooklyn may take a careful look at the Lakers’ trade package.
A three-team trade that will move Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook from their respective teams could happen
Bleacher Report’s trade idea: LA Receive: Kyrie Irving, Patrick Beverley, Rudy GayNets Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Malik Beasley, 2023 second-round pick (via Lakers)Jazz Receive: 2027 & 2029 first-round picks (via Lakers), Max Christie , Talen Horton-Tucker, Russell Westbrook https://t.co/k21tqvNyvU
The Nets don’t get a ton with what’s proposed, but they get no fuss players in return for Kyrie Irving’s unreliability. They also salvaged something instead of losing the mercurial point guard for nothing after his contract ran out.
Coming soon!