.jpg?itok=M0koiIxt&ssl=1 "LA Clippers Rumored to be a Potential Trade Destination for Kyrie Irving: Why Get Him?")
Since Kyrie Irving asked the Brooklyn Nets for a trade, several teams have emerged as contenders for the eight-time All-Star. And while Irving behaves “I’m interested in the Lakers”is the other Los Angeles team that could reach a deal.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPNthe Clippers have joined the trade negotiations for Irving, while Law Murray of The Athletic reported that the Clippers already have “He made a strong proposition” in Brooklyn.
The timing of Irving’s trade request comes just days after Kawhi Leonard asked Clippers officials to add a top-caliber starting point guard. And while initial reports have linked LA to two former teammates of Leonard’s, Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, the Clippers may be best suited to make a move for Irving.
Here’s why.
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Why Kyrie Irving Could Be Traded to the LA Clippers?
The need for base integration
In a league with stars, the Clippers have to do whatever it takes to keep them happy. If the reports of Leonard requesting a change to center field are true, Los Angeles will have to do everything they can to accommodate him.
At press time, the Clippers’ guard rotation is led by Reggie Jackson, Terrance Mann and John Wall, who has been out since Jan. 13 with an abdominal strain.
While not necessarily a traditional point guard, Irving would be a huge upgrade at that position, having played well enough to earn a starting spot in the upcoming All-Star Game.
Strong offer for the Nets
As Murray reports, the Clippers have not only made an offer for Irving, they’ve made him one. “strong offer” to the Nets.
Given how deep the Clippers’ current roster is, it stands to reason that they could come up with a decent deal. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, “The Clippers have assets that the Nets could really want.”
The Clippers have a lot of wealth on their roster. In addition to the untouched Leonard and Paul George, as well as Ivica Zubac, who is also likely untouched, the Angels still have a rotation of players they could package in an Irving deal.
Expand your championship opportunities
We’re in the fourth year of the Leonard-George era in Los Angeles. As of now, they have only reached the Western Conference Finals.
Injuries played a role, but after mortgaging future assets to acquire the two stars, the Clippers must do everything in their power to win at least one title. The franchise, which has been in the NBA since 1970, is one of six NBA teams not to make the Finals.
Leonard, 31, is one of the greatest power forwards of all time, while George is 30 years old and playing at an All-Star level. While they’re still one of the best duos in the NBA, they’re not going to get any younger. Acquiring Irving, who turns 31 in March, would add another All-Star to the equation and solidify the talent.
A trio of Leonard, George and Irving would lift this Clippers team into a seemingly wide-open Western Conference.
Tyronn Lue already knows him
In 2016, Irving hit one of the greatest shots in NBA history to help the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first championship. A year later, he returned to the NBA Finals scene, although the streak ended in a five-game losing streak for his team.
In each of those past two seasons, Tyronn Lue was the bench coach.
According to Murray, Lue ‘He’s open to coaching Irving again’, which is an important part of this process. Irving’s contract expires in mid-2023 and he is seeking a long-term contract extension, but there are questions about the risk associated with such a commitment.
Lue’s familiarity with Irving could give LA Clippers officials some peace of mind as they weigh the risks and benefits of the deal. Not surprisingly, Irving also shared a locker room with Marcus Morris during his time in Boston.
As if the saga wasn’t dramatic enough, news of this offer comes as the Clippers are in New York to face the Knicks in Game 5 of a six-game road trip. They’ll make one more stop before returning to Los Angeles: Monday in Brooklyn against the Nets.
With the Clippers spending the weekend in the Big Apple, we’ll see how that plays out.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
