NBA Trade Rumors: How Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook trade could affect Lakers and Nets?

The likelihood of Kyrie Irving being moved to the Lakers is growing, and it increasingly looks like a matter of when not if. For the second day in a row, reports circulated that the Lakers and Nets are discussing a trade package to get the disgruntled Irving out of Brooklyn and into a reunion with LeBron James. As a result of the deal, Russell Westbrook, an elderly point guard, and his large one-year contract would join the Nets.

Image Credits – SI

According to Haynes, the Nets want the Lakers to pick up the shooting guard Joe Harris’ salary since he recently underwent ankle surgery. Over the next two seasons, Harris will be owing roughly $39 million. The Lakers could use a shooter in Harris’ prime, but it’s unknown how efficient he’ll be after he recovers from his injury.

According to sources cited by Haynes, the Lakers prefer Seth Curry to Harris in a deal with the Nets. Curry’s contract, which will pay him $8.49 million for the 2022–23 season, is far more agreeable than Harris’.

And the younger Curry, who played for the Nets and Philadelphia 76ers in 64 games, finished the year with a 42.2% from beyond the arc. Curry shot 46.8% from long range after being traded to Brooklyn in the middle of the season.

Image Credits – SI

With Seth’s low salary by NBA standards and the Lakers’ dire need for a shooter like him to help them spread the field for LeBron and Anthony Davis, it makes perfect sense why they would want to sign him.

The Nets frequently discuss draft compensation, and according to insiders, they want shooting guard Joe Harris, who is recuperating from left ankle surgery, and the remaining $38.6 million due to him over the next two years, to be part of the trade. According to reports, the Lakers are demanding the addition of shooter Seth Curry as part of the agreement since they are less eager to include Harris. Curry has an $8.5 million contract that expires soon. The Nets claim that these conversations are still in the basic stages, according to sources.

The Lakers have other justifications for prioritizing Curry in negotiations over Harris. Because of an ankle ailment that necessitated surgery in March, Harris played in just 14 games the previous season.

When Harris sustained the injury early in the season, it was initially anticipated that he would only be sidelined for four to eight weeks. It’s uncertain how productive the 30-year-old will be when he returns given that it persisted as an issue and required surgical treatment.

 

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