sport news Kyrie Irving is SCRATCHED by Nets due to a 'sore calf' following trade demand trends now
Kyrie Irving has been scratched from Saturday's Brooklyn Nets game due to what the team is calling a 'sore calf,' thereby preserving the point guard's health ahead of Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline.
Injury news aside, the decision to sit Irving comes after his reported trade demand on Friday, and it could serve several purposes for Brooklyn. In addition to ensuring that Irving remains healthy in the event a of trade, the reported calf injury also means the disgruntled All-Star can skip pre- and post-game media availability. In other words, he can avoid any uncomfortable conversation with beat writers amid the swirling trade rumors.
The fourth-place Nets (31-20) host the visiting Washington Wizards (24-27) on Saturday – one day after Irving demanded a trade from Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks. The request comes less than a week before the trade deadline and possibly signals an ending to his tenure with the franchise, either then or after this season ends, when he becomes a free agent.
Lakers fans, eager to see deal struggling guard Russell Westbrook for Irving, were quick to point out that both players are scratched from Saturday's games. Westbrook, who would likely be involved in any Lakers' trade for Irving, is battling a non-COVID illness, according to the team.
And Lakers fans aren't the only ones interested in bringing Irving to LA. His former teammate, LeBron James, reacted to Irving's trade demand on Twitter with the 'eyeballs' emoji.
Kyrie Irving has been scratched from Saturday's Nets game due to what the team is calling a 'sore calf,' thereby preserving the point guard's health ahead of Thursday's trade deadline
Lakers fans, eager to see deal struggling guard Russell Westbrook for Irving, were quick to point out that both players are scratched from Saturday's games. Westbrook, who would likely be involved in any Lakers' trade for Irving, is battling a non-COVID illness, according to the team
The Lakers are the most intriguing trade option given Irving's history with James, his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate. The two famously won a title together in Cleveland, coming back from a 3-1 Finals deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016 to capture the club's first championship, but the relationship fizzled soon after.
Irving ultimately asked for a trade in 2017, and the team complied, sending him to the Boston Celtics. As ESPN reported at the time, the New Jersey native no longer wanted to play alongside James, citing a desire to be a team's focal point. The two have remained hospitable when facing off on the court and are typically seen greeting each other with a hug.
The major obstacle in bringing Irving to the Lakers will be the Nets' asking price, which will likely be more than Westbrook, a former MVP who has struggled since arriving in Los Angeles in 2021. In addition to Westbrook, the Lakers would likely need to include at least two future first-round picks in any deal for Irving, and may be forced to take on some unwanted contracts from Brooklyn.
Irving made the request after talks about a new contract did not go to his liking, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because talks were to remain private. It was first reported by ESPN and The Athletic.
Irving is eligible for a contract extension, but the Nets refused to give him one last summer. Irving's agent and stepmother, Shetellia Irving, told Bleacher Report last week that she had reached out to the Nets regarding a new deal. Kyrie Irving — whose current deal with the Nets expires after this season — is eligible for a four-year contract worth as much as $200 million.
'I have reached out to the Nets regarding this,' Shetellia Irving told Bleacher Report. 'We have had no significant conversations to date. The desire is to make Brooklyn home, with the right type of extension,
