Kyrie Irving’s time with the Brooklyn Nets seems to be over.
After his trade request was made known to the public, what the team planned to do with him while trade talks got started became a major talking point in some NBA circles. Now, it seems that the answer has been given, because Brooklyn reportedly intends to keep the point guard sidelined until it finds a deal.
Brooklyn Nets intend to keep Kyrie Irving sidelined until a trade is finalized ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 5, 2023
It makes sense for the Nets to keep him sidelined. For one, continuing to play him could result in an unnecessary injury and decrease his trade value. In addition, having him on the court would likely be a source of more drama.
Unfortunately, losing him will make it more difficult for Brooklyn to record some wins, especially with Kevin Durant still out because of an MCL sprain he sustained in early January.
In the 2022-23 campaign, Irving has been averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Of course, none among the current healthy Nets players can consistently put up similar numbers.
Without Durant and Irving, the Nets might slip further in the standings. The Nets are currently 32-20 and fourth in the Eastern Conference.
It remains to be seen how things will unfold in Brooklyn. While it is probably ideal for the organization to find a new home for Irving and get some assets in return instead of possibly losing him for nothing in the coming offseason, the front office could also decide to stay put and let the trade deadline pass without dealing the eight-time All-Star away.
Another potentially interesting development to watch out for is how the situation affects Durant. The two stars’ friendship is well-documented, and Irving is a huge reason why the former MVP chose to join the Nets in the 2019 offseason.
If the 2011 No. 1 pick goes, then Durant might be the next domino to fall. After all, he also requested a trade before the regular season began.
After multiple seasons of futility, Durant and Irving’s time in Brooklyn is apparently coming to a close with no championship to show for it.
