The Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets were two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference last season, but, this year, they find themselves in the midst of offseason drama.
The Sixers are still exploring potential trades for three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who reported to the team Monday, after holding out for almost one month.
At the same time, the Nets announced that Irving will sit out this season, if his vaccination status remains unchanged, as he cannot play in Brooklyn.
A trade that would involve Simmons and Kyrie could benefit both the Nets and the Sixers; however, both franchises are not interested right now to make a deal, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Amick reports that there is skepticism within Philadelphia’s organization about Irving’s fit with Joel Embiid, and that the 76ers are still holding out hope that they could land Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard.
A trade for the Nets’ superstar is also coming with a few more complications. Irving has a player option for next season, and he could become a free agent next summer.
Also, there is the notion that Irving could opt to put an end to his basketball career, if the Nets traded him away. For now, Brooklyn is hoping for a status change in the city’s mandate regarding the vaccination rules for indoor activities.
It’s still unclear if the Nets could generate interest for a potential deal with another NBA team for a such enigmatic superstar as Kyrie Irving.
