The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly joined the list of NBA teams interested in Kyrie Irving, with the Brooklyn Nets engaging in talks just days before the NBA trade deadline.
Irving didn’t suit up for the Nets in Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards, sitting out one day after he requested a trade by the Feb. 9 deadline. While Brooklyn improved to 32-20 after the victory and holds the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, its All-Star point guard wants out.
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The Nets entered the week intending to be buyers at the NBA trade deadline, confident another big addition could help Irving and Kevin Durant compete for a championship. Days later, following failed negotiations on a contract extension, Irving informed the franchise he wants to be dealt.
- Kyrie Irving stats (2022-’23): 27.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 5.1 RPG, 48.6% FG, 37.4% 3PT
Shortly after requesting a trade, three teams emerged as interested suitors. The Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns all reportedly had an interest in acquiring Irving, wanting to make a win-now move despite uncertainty regarding his contract demands.
Related: Phoenix Suns emerge as early favorites for Kyrie Irving
However, all three teams have some reservations regarding the Nets’ asking price, especially with Irving poised to become one of the top NBA free agents this summer. As all three Western Conference teams evaluate their options, new competition could shake up the market.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Clippers have now joined the list of teams engaged in trade talks with Brooklyn for Irving. The franchise began examining a deal early this weekend after entering February already being in the market for a point guard.
Because Irving didn’t provide the Nets with a trade list, there is a belief he is open-minded to where he would be moved. Although, per ESPN, there is strong mutual interest between the Lakers and the All-Star guard.
Brooklyn is reportedly approaching this aggressively, handling negotiations with the mindset of moving Irving by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. While the Nets want to make a deal, their interest remains on contending and doing what it takes to build a championship-caliber roster around Durant.
Related: Los Angeles Clippers targeting two impact players before trade deadline
- Kyrie Irving contract: $36.934 million salary
The Nets have two games remaining before the trade deadline, facing the Clippers on Monday followed by the Suns on Feb. 7. Irving is expected to sit out both games as Brooklyn seeks to find a suitable trade offer before it loses him in free agency next summer.
