The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are actively working on a trade that will land Kyrie Irving in L.A.
That said, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement.
While a general framework for a prospective deal exists, two players have consistently served as a roadblock.
This week, the Lakers’ last offer to Brooklyn for Irving emerged.
According to NBA insider John Gambadoro, L.A. wants to send out Russell Westbrook, a first-round pick and a pick swap. In return, they would receive Irving and take on Joe Harris’ massive contract which is set to pay him $18.6 million in 2022-23.
The Nets, it would appear, were not impressed by this offering. According to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, they offered this counterproposal:
“Currently, the Lakers don’t want to give up multiple first-round picks to trade Russell Westbrook, league sources told HoopsHype. In the speculated blockbuster trade of Westbrook and Irving, the Nets would likely want a first-round pick to move Irving and take on Westbrook,” he wrote.
“The Nets would likely want an additional first-rounder to entice another team like the Spurs or Pacers to take Westbrook as the third team in a deal.”
Talen Horton-Tucker is another name who could be included in a swap, either going to Brooklyn or another destination, but at the moment interest in him appears limited.
If the Lakers step up, agree to send out two picks and then concede that Harris’ contract is an unavoidable burden that must be accepted, it feels like this thing gets done quickly.
But at the moment, that has not happened.
L.A. has a Plan B in the event that this whole situation does not work out, but clearly they want Irving.
Will they end up getting him?
Time will tell.
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