Nets Send Strong Message to Lakers Amid Trade Rumors, Says Insider

The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in many trade rumors this offseason. The Brooklyn Nets showed better performance than the Lakers, but their team fell apart right away. James Harden left the team before the end of the regular season and Kyrie Irving may be the next to go. It seems like keeping Kevin Durant on the roster is a top priority now.

The Lakers have shown interest in Irving and LeBron James would gladly reunite with his former teammate. It won’t be that easy though. Brooklyn is in a tricky position right now.

“Yes [Irving will end up with Lakers], but I’d add this caveat, all the Nets people are sitting there looking around and they’re saying, ‘Okay, LeBron, good luck,’” ESPN’s Nick Friedell said during a July 11, 2022 episode of “Get Up.” “‘Because we saw what happened in Cleveland. We saw what happened in Boston. We’re seeing what’s happening in Brooklyn right now. You want him in LA. Got for it.’”

Nets and Lakers to shut down trade rumors

The Nets may consider trading Irving, but the Lakers will have to add a first-round pick to their trade package. Russell Westbrook won’t be enough.

Michael Scotto from HoopsHype shares the same opinion. To be honest, Pelinka doesn’t have much picks right now. He used some of his first-rounders in the Anthony Davis trade. Will Pelinka look for a third team to ease the whole situation?

“Currently, the Lakers don’t want to give up multiple first-round picks to trade Russell Westbrook, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote on July 12. “In the speculated blockbuster trade of Westbrook and Irving, the Nets would likely want a first-round pick to move Irving and take on Westbrook. The Nets would likely want an additional first-rounder to entice another team like the Spurs or Pacers to take Westbrook as the third team in a deal.”

Several NBA insiders have discussed the situation between LA and Brooklyn. Marc Stein believes that the Nets prioritize Durant’s future with the franchise. The team will probably secure the superstar before they make any move about Irving.