Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Post

Rival Teams Expect The Brooklyn Nets To Listen To Trade Offers For Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has put the Brooklyn Nets in a tough position as a result of his unwillingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. With a week away from the start of the 2021-22 NBA regular season, the Nets will now have to gear up without Irving, at least for as long as the rules restrict him from playing.

Irving makes the Nets a deadlier team and more of a title contender when he plays alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden. After getting pierced by the Milwaukee Bucks without Irving in last year’s playoffs, there’s no doubt that the Nets would love to have Irving back in the lineup as they look to make a bigger splash this season.

However, dealing with the cons that Irving brings due to his vaccination status, a trade scenario centered on him is still an option that doesn’t seem too farfetched for the Nets to take interest with. In fact, a recent report from ‘The Athletic’ suggests that rival teams expect the Nets to listen to trade offers surrounding their controversial 29-year old point guard.

Rival teams believe the Nets would be open to a significant trade offer for Irving, but his openness to playing for other franchises is unclear. Irving will be fully eligible in all markets except New York City and San Francisco. Brooklyn is on a championship chase, wanting the commitment of every player on their roster, now dealing with the cloud of uncertainty regarding a member of its big three.