NBA trade rumors: NBA insider reveals three teams leading Kyrie Irving chase

Three teams stand out in the Kyrie Irving chase, as the Nets guard requested a trade on Friday.

According to Shams, The Lakers, Mavericks, and Suns are the three teams that are leading the Irving trade chase. While Irving prefers to play for the Lakers, it seems like his main goal is to get a long-term contract.

When it comes to the Lakers, L.A will most likely need to ship their trade offer of Russell Westbrook+ one/two of those first-round picks in the deal to another team to make sure that the Nets get veterans back in a Kyrie deal. The Lakers have been trying to upgrade their roster to help surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with more talent. Adding Irving would most certainly do that.

Kyrie Irving rumors: Lakers, 2 more teams stand out

The Suns are another team that could trade for Irving. Their offer would most likely start with Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and first-round picks (one or two). Despite the drop in talent from Paul and Crowder in recent years, this offer would allow the Nets to save face by acquiring two solid vets (at least they have a solid resume) for Irving.

As Chris Haynes reported, this is the offer that would allow both teams to still allow the Nets to keep them “in championship pursuit”.  The Suns have struggled this season as Paul has diminished in talent and Booker has been out with injury.

The Mavs are the final team that is in the top three for the Irving chase. The Mavs are in what can be considered a “Gap Year”. After using picks to trade for Kristaps Porzingis (and numerous injuries to the player that eventually lead to him getting traded to the Wizards), the Mavs are using this year to refill their assets long-term to surround Luka with a second star.

They currently owe their first-round pick to the Knicks (a protected pick that will convey most likely), but control the rest of their picks after that.

A deal encompassing Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr + picks would be the best offer that the Mavs could offer for Irving. While a deal for the All-Star starter would get the Mavs a second star + Wood insurance (if he doesn’t resign) to pair with Luka, they do run the risk of Irving leaving in free agency or him bringing a lot of chaos to Dallas, destroying what is left of the Luka-led team.