Sports

In addition to refusing to trade Christie and Reaves for Kyrie Irving, Lakers Refuse to Offer Him a Four-Year Deal.

Kyrie Irving is one win away from the NBA Finals but the Lakers passed on acquiring him because of his contract demands and a hefty trade package.

Lakers Didn't Want To Give Kyrie Irving A 4-Year Contract, Refused To Trade Reaves And Christie For Him

Kyrie Irving has reshaped the Mavericks into the best team in the West just one season after his controversial trade to the franchise. The Lakers were widely expected to be the favorites to land Kyrie, but a variety of factors kept them from making a deal. Jovan Buha reiterated the three major factors that stopped the Lakers in 2023 on his podcast, starting with the Lakers not wanting to give Kyrie a 4-year contract.

“The Lakers wanted to sign him to a 2-year contract extension, but Kyrie wanted to opt out and become a free agent. and seek a four-year deal. The Lakers were a bit hesitant and preferred a 2-year, $80 million extension. The fact that Kyrie wasn’t willing to sign that extension, LA was a bit skittish about acquiring him and the flight risk of him leaving if it didn’t work out.”

Another sticking point for the Lakers was the inclusion of Austin Reaves and Max Christie, especially with Kyrie refusing to sign a 2-year contract and testing free agency.

3-Team Blockbuster Trade Sends Kyrie Irving To The Los Angeles Lakers -  Fadeaway World

“They didn’t want to include Austin Reaves and Max Christie if Kyrie wasn’t willing to sign the extension. Had he been willing to sign the extension, I believe they would have been willing to part with one of the two. But they didn’t want to give up who they viewed as their two-best young assets in terms of players at the time for a guy who could leave in the summer.”

Finally, Buha also mentioned that the Nets wanted to remain competitive after the deal but those plans fell through when Kevin Durant demanded a trade.

“The Nets didn’t want to give up any additional; role-players in the trade because they wanted to remain competitive around Kevin Durant. Shortly after, Kevin Durant demanded a trade and the rest is history.”

Los Angeles Lakers Are Kyrie Irving's Top Destination Via Trade This Season  Or Free Agency Next Summer - Fadeaway World

The Lakers will look back at this trade miss with regret given what the Mavericks achieved, but the circumstances for both teams were different. The Mavericks were building around a young star, Luka Doncic, who pushed for Kyrie on the franchise, and Dallas could not risk alienating him with his contract up in a few seasons.

LeBron James also pushed for the Lakers to acquire Kyrie, but the cost associated with the Mavericks was not comparable to what the Nets wanted the Lakers to give up.

In addition, the Mavericks were comfortable with taking the risk of Kyrie testing free agency because they knew they had the best pitch to convince him to stay. The player and team compromised on a 3-year contract instead of the four Kyrie initially wanted, with the return on that contract already looking phenomenal.

Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this regular season. He’s currently putting up 22.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 2024 Playoffs as the Mavericks are one win away from the NBA Finals.

Related Posts

LeBron James Sends Special Mother’s Day Message To Gloria And Savannah

LeBron James may be rich and famous, but he doesn’t forget to appreciate the people he loves. This Mother’s Day, James took it upon himself to give a…

Lebron James Touched Fans When He Took On The Position Of Coach For His Daughter Zhuri, Besides Sending The Message “Family Comes First

LeBron James, a name synonymous with basketball greatness, recently showed a different side that resonated deeply with fans. Beyond the basketball court, LeBron took on the role of…

LeBron James’ Family Does Toosie Challenge, Daughter Zhuri Steals Spotlight

Laker’s star player LeBron James, 35, and his family are getting in on the toosie slide challenge. Drake released the song and video last week and everyone is putting their…

The Wrap: Gilt-edged chance thrown away as Wallabies well beaten, inaccurate All Blacks clock off a week early

Given the snow that fell in the lead up to the Wallabies match against Scotland, the visitors must have been delighted to find conditions to their favour at…

Superb Scotland blunt Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies to end tourists’ grand slam dream

The Wallabies are still waiting for their first Home Nations grand slam since 1984 after they were outplayed by an outstanding Scotland side, going down 27-13 at Murrayfield….

Jones to love ‘pantomime villain’ role against England

Eddie Jones will be happy performing the role of pantomime villain when he plots England’s downfall at Twickenham, according to prop Ellis Genge. Former Wallabies boss Jones faces…