As expected, the Lakers made a push to acquire All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving from the Nets before he was dealt to the Mavericks on Sunday, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Lakers offered Brooklyn a trade package containing Russell Westbrook and two first-round picks in 2027 and ’29 for Irving. However, the Nets informed the Lakers that in order for a trade to be consummated, Brooklyn wanted Austin Reaves and Max Christie, as well as pick swaps on top of the original trade compensation package of Westbrook and two first-round picks.
Ultimately, the Nets moved on and chose the Mavericks’ package that included Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-rounders in ’27 and ’29.
The stakes were high for Irving, who is scheduled to hit free agency this summer. Irving, who unexpectedly asked for a trade out of Brooklyn last week, had a more robust trade market than many expected given his mercurial nature and contract situation.
The Clippers made a strong push with a package that included Luke Kennard and Terence Mann. The Suns offered Chris Paul in a potential deal that also would have been a blockbuster.
But ultimately, Brooklyn felt that the Dallas deal was the one that set them up best for their current goals this season in the East, as well as how they plan to compete in the future with a roster centered around Kevin Durant.
