It is increasingly unlikely that Kyrie Irving will play a game of basketball with the Brooklyn Nets – or any team – this year.
Irving is sticking to his guns about his COVID vaccine status and it’s preventing him from suiting up for the Nets or even practicing with his teammates.
The team is moving on without him and is still number one in the East, meaning it already exists in a post-Irving world.
But Irving is still a very talented basketball player who could add a lot to any team that wants to take a chance on him.
There are several squads throughout the league that should roll the dice on Irving and trade for him.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have their own problem with Ben Simmons, which has been well-documented since the fall when Simmons was practically kicked off the team.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers threw Ben Simmons out of practice today and the suspension came shortly thereafter, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021
A trade of Simmons for Irving would solve multiple problems for both teams.
Daryl Morey and his front office want an All-Star in exchange for Simmons, even though he is difficult and seemingly moody.
Irving is exactly that: an All-Star player who can lead a team and radically improve the backcourt.
Irving in Philly would allow Joel Embiid to focus on other aspects of his game and would provide more spacing and less pressure on the usual scorers.
This trade would immediately fix a lot of what has been wrong with the 76ers and would finally put all the drama around both Simmons and Irving to bed.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the entire NBA but the man needs help.
So far the Dallas Mavericks are doing well but they’re not reaching the levels some had expected.
Of course, Doncic is performing terrifically, which isn’t surprising at all, but it just isn’t enough.
Luka magic on full display 🎩✨ pic.twitter.com/qikF5PWOme
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 11, 2021
Yes, the play above is wonderful but the Mavericks still ended up losing that game.
Many analysts feel the team isn’t higher in the standings because too much pressure is being put solely on Doncic and the team requires another ball-handler to lead its offense.
Irving can do just that.
If Irving moved to Dallas, he would allow Doncic a little bit of breathing room and would take some of the weight off his shoulders.
It would also let Jalen Brunson once again become a bench player, giving the team more depth during those long games that require all hands on deck.
A big three of Doncic, Irving, and Kristaps Porzingis would be quite frightening to the rest of the league too.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The offensive rating of the Los Angeles Lakers is downright pitiful at times.
If the team hopes to be in the playoffs, they need to do something fast to repair the damage done because Russell Westbrook leading plays just isn’t working.
Irving to the Lakers would definitely create some headlines, especially since he’d be playing with LeBron James again, but it actually makes a lot of sense too.
Irving in LA would boost the offensive output dramatically and would also help James and Davis too.
Most importantly, this trade would let the team not rely so much on Westbrook, who has been inconsistent at best.
Irving wouldn’t do much to solve LA’s defense problem but he would go a long way to making them an offensive powerhouse again.
No matter where Iriving goes, controversy is going to follow and any team that trades for him needs to be ready for that.
Despite the views and opinions around Irving, it’s impossible to ignore his basketball skills and that’s why he’s still a viable and enticing trade target for any team thinking straight.
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