All-star guard Kyrie Irving wants off the Brooklyn Nets.
Irving missed Saturday’s game to what the franchise identified as “calf soreness.”
“There was a smattering of boos at Barclays Center when Kyrie Irving appeared on the jumbotron before tonight’s game,” Nets Videos tweeted.
Irving will reportedly sit out the rest of the season if the Nets do not acquiesce to his trade demands.
The Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns are all considered potential suitors for Irving’s services.
Stephen A. Smith broke down the situation on Saturday’s NBA Countdown:
Stephen A.: "I'm told [Mavs, Suns, Lakers & Clippers] will pay [Kyrie Irving]. Now whether that's a 4-year guarantee or whatever, it remains to be seen. They'd give him more than Brooklyn would give him… He is prepared [I'm told] to sit out the rest of the season if need be." pic.twitter.com/kRRHnQGzdl
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 5, 2023
“I’m told the [Dallas Mavericks, the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers] will pay [Irving],” Smith said Saturday on NBA Countdown. “Now, whether that’s a 4-year guarantee or whatever, it remains to be seen. They’d give him more than Brooklyn would give him… He is prepared [I’m told] to sit out the rest of the season if need be.”
Lakers star forward LeBron James, who famously won a championship with Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, has already spoken in favor of a deal.
Whether the Nets trade Irving, or if he goes through with his threat to sit out the season remains to be seen.