Latest rumor suggests Knicks could steal trade target from Nets

Kyrie Irving has still yet to play in a game for the Brooklyn Nets this season. Without him, Brooklyn is in first in the Eastern Conference, but the team still needs to explore the option of adding another point guard if he’s not coming back. As time passes and Irving remains out of sight, the likelihood of him being traded continues to climb.

It’s hard to let go of a such a talent, but if he’s not playing and figures to reject his player option at the end of the year, there’s no sense in waiting around, especially with a championship at stake. The Feb. 10 trade deadline is around the corner, so the Nets have a little over two months left to make a move.

John Wall’s name has been thrown out as a potential point guard to replace Irving. He’s currently with Houston, although he hasn’t played in a game for them this year. The two sides agreed to look for a trade partner, but nothing’s progressed. Because of that, Wall’s decided that he wants to play this year for the Rockets, which could increase his trade value or at least get talks moving.

Should the Nets be interested here? If Wall does play, it’ll be a good opportunity to see where he’s at and how he could (or could not) be an asset for Brooklyn. However, the Knicks have taken guard Kemba Walker out of the rotation and are supposedly looking to trade the 31-year-old. What does that mean for the Nets? Well … New York could snatch away Wall before Brooklyn has the chance to do so if they’re interested.

John Wall could end up in New York, but not with the Brooklyn Nets.

Walker playing poorly for the Knicks this year is how he found himself going from signing a two-year, $17.9 million deal to being in trade discussions within a matter of months.

A big difference here, too, is the assets both teams possess. The Knicks have some young players and draft picks at their disposal to move, which might entice the Rockets more than acquiring a one-and-done player like Irving, who likely won’t want to remain with a rebuilding team and will bring aboard a ton of baggage from an off-the-court perspective. Basketball is second for Irving, which is totally fine. He’s free to prioritize his passions however he pleases, but it’ll no doubt affect teams who want to invest in him.

It’ll also be easier for the Knicks to inherit Wall’s massive contract, whereas the Nets will need to unload significant salary to make this work. That’s why a buyout is the best option for Brooklyn. However, recent reports suggest that avenue is unlikely.

After beating the Knicks by a bucket in their first matchup, the Nets won’t face them again until Feb. 16 at Madison Square Garden. Imagine if the Knicks have Wall on the roster by then? That’d make for an explosive matchup.

But if the Nets can swing a deal for Wall themselves? That’d be a lopsided beatdown.

Bleacher Report’s suggested Kyrie Irving trade makes little sense for Nets

The Brooklyn Nets need to spend more time looking into potential Kyrie Irving trades, but this suggested deal from Bleacher Report wouldn't work.