If the Lakers opt to pursue Kyrie Irving in free agency, the Mavericks wouldn’t be interested in taking back free agent guard D’Angelo Russell as the primary player in a sign-and-trade deal, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack column.
There hasn’t been any concrete information that trying to sign Irving is part of the Lakers’ offseason plans, Stein adds, but there’s plenty of speculation that LeBron James would like to reunite with his former Cavaliers teammate. L.A. was heavily rumored as a possible destination for Irving when he considered opting out of his contract last summer and again when he asked the Nets for a trade in February.
James’ retirement talk after being swept by Denver is widely seen as a message to the Lakers’ front office that a roster upgrade is needed, but Stein isn’t convinced that they’ll be active on the free agent market. He states that the team’s preferred plan is to reach new deals with two of its own free agents, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. It’s less certain that L.A. wants to keep Russell after his disastrous performance in the Western Conference Finals, Stein adds.
The Mavericks appear committed to keeping Irving after paying a high price to acquire him from Brooklyn, according to Stein. A report last weekend indicated that a “handshake deal” may already be in place for Irving to remain in Dallas.
Stein passes along more inside information:
- Teams around the league are expecting new Wizards president Michael Winger to be aggressive in trying to reshape the roster this summer, but Bradley Beal‘s no-trade clause may complicate his plans. Stein points out that Beal has four seasons left on his five-year, $251MM contract and can’t be sent to any other team unless he agrees to the deal. Stein also wonders how the front office change will affect Kristaps Porzingis, who reportedly began extension talks in March.
- Kevin Ollie and Charles Lee were set for second interviews this week for the Pistons‘ head coaching vacancy, but Stein hears that the team hasn’t given up on its pursuit of Monty Williams. The former Suns head coach reportedly turned down a “big-money” offer from Detroit, but some members of the organization are hoping he might reconsider.
- A source tells Stein that Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez is a legitimate candidate to become the Raptors‘ new head coach.
Russell is soft, and clearly not the best locker room guy. 5 teams in 8years. Anybody who pays him will regret it. Regular season stats are USELESS to determine a players value
Dlo is a poor mans Jamal Crawford…
At best a 6th man who can take over, at worst someone who you can’t play 15 minutes in a playoff game…
The warriors found that out is why the traded him as soon as they could. He plays 0 defense and opposing teams target him on defense.
Mark from Cuba is going to ruin Luka’s career…
Maybe the Wizards could head into full on tank mode by trading for Irving… Beal would probably be happy to play alongside Luka and make the playoffs…
Beal might have injury issues but he’s more reliable than Kyrie…
I know someone on this board is glad I don’t bet …….. haha
It’s just basketball sense. Kyrie when focused and just playing. Is a top player in NBA. He now would be the savior on this Laker team. Cause AD can’t do it or won’t do it. Bron is battling Father Time. There is no one out there. That Lakers can get to get Kyrie results. Plus he’s a FA. Why wouldn’t he take less for a yr then get paid next yr.
He will be the reason Lakers get to Finals. That’s what his ego needs. He is finally more important than Bron …….
Rui has a qualifying offer. They can sign him next yr too. Reaves is only one who would take commitment, on his part. Lakers can only offer so much (12.5 mill). But he too can get paid next yr. I don’t see why this is so difficult to understand. Satisfies all egos and money issues. Lakers are the ones taking all the gambles here. Cause once Bron is gone. It can all go to h&!!.
lakers want Kyrie but their problem is what do they give up to get him? No team wants Russel so that can’t be done in a S&T. Best they could do is a sign and trade with Rui, Walker, and Vandy for Kyrie. Unless kyrie signs for $12.5 which instead he wants a big pay.
AD and the 17th.
If they offered that Dallas would take it.
Rui, Walker, and Vandy wouldn’t do it. I don’t think the Mavs would have interest in two of them.
Lakers have 29 mill in cap space. Why wouldn’t they take that. He’ll get much more for being the savior afterwards. Even from sponsors.
Lakers have to keep Rui and Reaves.
Russell is definitely a problem. But even Bulls need a PG now. He’s worth 20 mill to someone.
I’d take Caruso for Russell lol
AD needs a fresh start with another team. How about a 3 team deal:
Hartlestein, Randle, and Dallas’ 2024 1rd pick to Dallas
AD to NY and this years 17th to Dallas
Kyrie to LA
A poor mans nick young. Young doesn’t thing Russel is good in the locker room
Don’t know if you guys know. But I just found out. Lonzo will be out for season……
link to si.com
So Bulls have to move DeRozan. Knicks can give them best offer imo. DeRozan is the perfect fit for us. Even with Randle. He can retire a Knick. NY will love his game. Grimes can back him and will be mentored by him. Makes too much sense to me.
Reaves will get 20 mil a season and I can’t see that lakers matching and Rui will probably get 15 ish and I doubt they match that either.
They are better off letting all of Russell, Beasley and Bamba leave and pursuing Kyrie. Then looking at guys you can bring in for cheap…
Although Reaves had a grea finish to the year and Hachimura had some big moments, if your serious about winning you need another big name to move the needle like Kyrie. After that fill out with guys.
It’s not like people won’t take a discount to okay with a trio of Kyrie Bron and AD for the lakers.