Two years ago, the Brooklyn Nets seemed primed for long-term success with one of the greatest Big 3s of all time put in place. Looking ahead to the start of the 2022-23 season, and Kevin Durant may be the only member of the trio returning. Stirred by the strong stance on the COVID-19 vaccine by Kyrie Irving, tensions arose last season, resulting in James Harden forcing his way to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons.
Kyrie Irving has a looming $36.5 million player option on the table. The 30-year-old has appeared loyal to the Nets during his tenure but has proven to be a wild card throughout his career. There are now rumors that Irving and the Nets are “at impasse” in conversations about his future:
Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors.
Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
Even with the off-court concerns, Kyrie Irving is sure to demand interest across the league. His availability has been a concern, but his level of play has not been. In the 29 regular-season games Irving did play last season, he averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot a career-high 41.8% from 3 on 8.2 attempts per game.
One of the teams that would potentially have an interest in adding Kyrie Irving would be the New York Knicks. The Knicks have an interesting path to potentially acquiring the star but one that is not impossible. The franchise is currently even with the salary-cap line for 2022-23. They can clear enough space to offer a maximum deal by offloading salaries such as Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and Kemba Walker. The Nets would love to get something in return for the prized point guard if they can’t work things out, so a sign-and-trade is certainly on the table. While the details will need to be worked out, here are three reasons the Knicks should attempt to add the seven-time All-Star.
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Why Knicks must go hard to acquire Kyrie Irving from Nets
3. Finally Getting a True Star
The New York Knicks have been in search of a true star for quite some time. While Julius Randle led the team to their first playoff appearance since the Carmelo Anthony era in 2021, he took a step back this past season. Madison Square Garden is built for the bright lights and needs a superstar to carry the torch. Kyrie Irving would likely be their most notable free agency signing of all time and would elevate the franchise into the true contending category.
While there are certainly reasons to be frustrated with Kyrie Irving, you cannot argue his talent. He is one of the best shot creators and ball handlers in the entire NBA. Irving has proven to be capable of hitting the big shots in the playoffs and is a game-changing talent. His career averages of 23.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds would be a terrific addition. The Knicks have failed to land a true superstar seemingly every offseason, and they should not pass up the chance to add Irving’s talent.
2. Irving, Randle, Barrett trio
There is still room for improvement, but the Knicks are a much more appealing landing spot than they are given credit for. Julius Randle has not lived up to the hopes of growing into a true superstar, but he is still an effective NBA player. He took a slight step back last season but still averaged 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.
RJ Barrett continues to develop at a solid rate and projects well in the long term. The former third overall pick averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his third season with the Knicks. The 22-year-old is not ready to fully take the reigns as the main star, but he is showing positive signs of production and growth.
Adding Kyrie Irving would take a ton of pressure off of Randle and Barrett. Allowing them to take a step back in a more complementary role would prevent them from being overexposed for their weaknesses. A trio of Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett is one that would give the Knicks the best chance of winning that they have had in years.
1. The East is Open?
It is never easy to win in the NBA, but there is an opportunity on the table. Each Eastern Conference team has its individual holes that create a chance for the Knicks to capitalize. The Boston Celtics made it to the NBA Finals this year, but their lack of high-level point guard play ended up hurting them. The Miami Heat had an impressive run this season but may lack top-end star power to take another step forward. The Nets are seemingly falling apart, while the Sixers have a massive James Harden question weighing on them.
With no guarantees of what’s ahead, the Knicks must capitalize on this opportunity to greatly improve. There are plenty of off-court and fit concerns, but Irving is a level of talent worth the risk.
June 20, 2022 at 11:08PM
https://clutchpoints.com/3-reasons-knicks-must-go-hard-acquire-nets-star-kyrie-irving/
3 reasons Knicks must go hard to acquire Nets star Kyrie Irving - ClutchPoints
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