Nets Rumors: Fox Sports personality unearths wild Kyrie Irving trade rumor

Kyrie Irving (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets are undoubtedly more talented than they were in 2020-21 after the upgrades GM Sean Marks made this offseason.

While a team headlined by superstars Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving would typically be enough to win a title, the Nets learned the hard way last season that injuries are inevitable and depth is essential.

It’s not crazy to say that Brooklyn’s rotation is 12 deep following the additions of Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, Jevon Carter, James Johnson and Cam Thomas, who was taken No. 27 overall in the draft.

With more depth than they know what to do with, could the Nets potentially explore a trade involving one of their three stars — like Kyrie Irving — for another stud who might be a better fit?

Probably not, but don’t tell that to Fox Sports personality Nick Wright, who thinks there are a “handful” of Irving-centered deals that would theoretically make sense for Brooklyn.

If you can believe it, that’s not the most outlandish part of the rumor, as Wright also claimed that Irving’s agents have made it clear that the All-Star point guard will flat-out retire from the NBA if he were to be traded.

Fox Sports personality Nick Wright unearthed a wild trade rumor surrounding Kyrie Irving.

That’s a lot to unpack.

While we don’t disagree that trading Irving for a defensive-minded guard could benefit the Nets in the long run, everything we’ve heard regarding his future suggests it lies in Brooklyn. Marks told the media just last month that he’s confident he’ll be able to sign both Irving and Harden to extensions in due time.

The one trade that would make sense is a straight up swap with the 76ers for Ben Simmons, who wants out of Philadelphia. Simmons’ ability to defend all five positions would be a seamless fit alongside Durant and Harden, while Irving’s shot-making and shot-creating ability is exactly what the 76ers are lacking at the PG position.

That’s the only trade we can think of that would be ideal for both parties, but it’s never going to happen. While Marks and Sixers GM Daryl Morey are extremely trigger-happy when it comes to orchestrating blockbuster deals, a trade of this magnitude between two Eastern Conference rivals isn’t feasible.

Finally, the Nets don’t need to trade Irving. Durant almost took down the eventual champion Bucks by himself. If Kyrie and Harden had stayed healthy, Brooklyn would’ve rolled to the Finals and likely would’ve trounced the Suns.

With as deep of a rotation as any contender in the NBA, the Nets have no reason to consider trading Irving. Imagine how that would make Durant feel? The two stars literally planned to team up in Brooklyn during the 2019 offseason.

We hate that we even have to address this, but such is life in September, the undisputed slowest month of the NBA offseason.

Keep going about your day, Nets fans. Nothing to see here.