The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly discussing a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that would see a swap of stars Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.
Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reports that talks between the Nets and Lakers are “actively engaged.”
Haynes adds that there is optimism a deal can be reached. However, the Nets want to include guard Joe Harris in the trade, while the Lakers prefer Seth Curry.
Harris has $38.6M left on his contract, which expires after the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, Curry has one year remaining on his current deal; he’ll make $8.4M in 2022-23.
Rumors that Irving was interested in playing in Los Angeles emerged after the seven-time All-Star failed to find common ground on a future with the Nets.
On Monday, Irving decided to opt-in on his $37M player option for next season, seeming to halt any trade speculation. Though, rumors linking Irving to the Lakers resurfaced on Thursday. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported mutual interest between the two sides and that “high ranking people” believed a deal wasn’t off the table.
Westbrook also exercised his player option for next season, locking in a $47.1M salary in 2022-23.
