Lakers Rumors: Latest Kyrie Irving Free Agency Update Could Be Bad News for LA
Although Kyrie Irving ultimately got traded to the Dallas Mavericks last week before the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers remain hopeful that the point guard can still sign with LA this summer. Rumors swirled that the eight-time All-Star may not be signing an extension with the Mavericks.
While many are wondering about Irving's long-term future with the Mavs, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski discussed the likelihood of Irving remaining in Dallas:
“I think it’s more likely than not Kyrie Irving stays in Dallas just because of what they invested in him. And his chance to get the kind of contract he wants—for all the reasons they traded for him, they were at a shortage of talent around Luka Dončić; hopefully this thing goes well enough, it’s never going to be perfect with Kyrie Irving—but given what they gave up and Dallas’ track record of being willing to pay players who want to be there, I think it’s more likely than not Kyrie Irving is in Dallas.”
As Wojnarowski mentioned, Irving is satisfied enough with his current contract compared to what the Brooklyn Nets were planning on giving him.
Irving initially demanded a trade from Brooklyn primarily because the two parties were unable to settle on an agreement for a contract extension. Irving was looking for a four-year, $198.5 million contract in free agency.
Though Irving has a high chance of playing long-term in Dallas, many Lakers fans hope that Irving will one day reunite with LeBron James in Los Angeles. After all, following Irving's trade to the Mavericks, it was reported that the 30-year-old’s preferred destination was the Lakers.
As an upcoming free agent, anything can happen. But, after the Mavericks gave up Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks, it is likely that the team will do all they can to keep the star and maximize their talent.
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