The Brooklyn Nets appear destined to lose their top two stars this offseason after 12-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant requested a trade from the franchise last week. That was followed by reports that the team would also likely trade Kyrie Irving, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as the early favorites to land him in a potential Irving for Russell Westbrook-centered trade package.
While the Lakers still seem to be the favorites, two other teams have reportedly emerged to be interested in trading for Irving.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Irving has “several suitors” and among those including the Lakers are the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kyrie Irving has 'several suitors,' per @ShamsCharania
The 76ers, Lakers and Mavericks are all said to be interested pic.twitter.com/rjjI7tFTqS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2022
The 76ers being interested in Irving is especially intriguing considering Irving’s past with 76ers guard James Harden.
While the two were on the Nets together last season, it was reported that a big part of Harden being traded to the 76ers was because of his tumultuous relationship with Irving.
Many around the NBA world don’t see a potential reunion between Irving and Harden going well if they were to play together in Philadelphia.
James Harden watching Kyrie Irving walk into the 76sixers locker room pic.twitter.com/uqVzx8b4tv
— Kevin🇵🇷 (@DrClown21) July 3, 2022
Kyrie Irving and James Harden at the Philadelphia 76ers training camp pic.twitter.com/kX9rX97ciy
— Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) July 3, 2022
Meanwhile many are interested to see a potential backcourt of Luka Dončić and Irving in Dallas, which would certainly make the Mavericks a must-watch team next year.
Ky with Luka in Dallas… not sure how that would fit but on paper sheesh that’s THE duo 🤩 https://t.co/7EXT4B8xI2
— The Last Ronin🥷🏾 (@killerhandles) July 3, 2022
I really wanna see Kyrie and Luka together https://t.co/EaNw8zhljF
— jo. (@cozyboy_j) July 3, 2022
Kyrie and Luka👀 and no Covid mandates at all in texas?? Perfect fit😭 https://t.co/FxqpvsZshH
— Ukoh Essang (@UkohEssang) July 3, 2022
Irving to the Mavericks would seemingly be a great move for the Mavericks to fill the void of Jalen Brunson, who left this offseason to sign a massive contract with the New York Knicks.
It’s unclear exactly when the team will officially move Irving, but it certainly appears that they have a number of teams interested and that the Lakers may have some competition for a potential reunion between Irving and LeBron James next year.
