Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 high-profile dark horse trade destinations for Kyrie Irving

By Jordanna Clark

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets follows the action from the bench during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets follows the action from the bench during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Clippers, Tyronn Lue
Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers. (Photo by: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Tyronn Lue is in his second year as the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who have started the season with a 12-11 record. Not only could the Clippers be a potential destination for Irving, but he’d also reunite with the coach that he won a title with in 2016.

In March of 2020, Brooklyn was on the search for its next coach after the organization and Kenny Atkinson decided to part ways. Irving reportedly pushed for Lue to become the Nets’ new coach. With Los Angeles not having a mandate, Irving’s wish of playing again for Lue isn’t entirely out of the picture.

The Clippers’ starting point guard is Reggie Jackson. The 31-year-old has played in all of Los Angeles’ games and is averaging 17.3 points. Eric Bledsoe is the shooting guard, and he’s averaging 9.8 points per game. Irving could jump in and take over for Jackson at point, with Jackson moving to the shooting guard position, relegating Bledsoe to the bench where he belongs.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are the team’s two biggest names, although Leonard is out indefinitely after he underwent surgery for a partially torn ACL in July. The Clippers’ offensive production has dipped in Leonard’s absence, and Irving could change that.

Los Angeles averages an embarrassing 14.5 turnovers per game, with George leading the team with 4.3. Irving’s efficiency could help flip that detrimental statistic for the Clippers.

However, the team doesn’t have a first-round pick until 2027 because Los Angeles sent five selections to Oklahoma City to acquire George. It’d take a lot for the Clippers to land Irving, but based on his history with Lue, it shouldn’t be taken off the table completely.