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“Enough Is Enough”: NFL Legend Insists Kyrie Irving to Lakers Is Not Off the Table but Says Kevin Durant Is Probably Not Letting It Happen Due to Russell Westbrook

Published 07/28/2022, 11:00 AM EDT

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The Kyrie Irving trade saga still has no conclusion. The Brooklyn Nets are still holding out for the best return possible for not only Kyrie Irving but Kevin Durant as well. Both the disgruntled superstars are expected to leave the Nets franchise before the start of next season. However, there are certain conditions to be met to make sure both of them get traded.

NFL legend Shannon Sharpe recently mentioned on ‘Undisputed‘ that even though it has taken time, Irving will end up in Los Angeles eventually. He believes that the Nets are focused on dealing with Kevin Durant first. Although Durant hasn’t been traded yet, the Nets have reportedly received numerous calls from other franchises enquiring about him.

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On Kyrie Irving, Shannon said, “I do not believe the Nets want Kyrie back“. He hinted that the Nets would gladly take Russell Westbrook off of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ hands if they included the 2029 first-round pick along with the 2027 pick. However, Westbrook’s history with Kevin Durant is what is holding the deal up.

They know d*mn well Kevin Durant doesn’t wanna play with Russ!” Shannon exclaimed. He said that the Brooklyn Nets are waiting to trade KD first so that they can have more flexibility in a deal with the Lakers.

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He again mentioned that the Nets have no intention of continuing with Kyrie Irving. He said, “This is three years ongoing of Kyrie’s behavior. Nets are saying enough is enough“.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s history

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played for the Oklahoma City Thunder together for eight years. During that time, they established themselves as one of the best teams in the league. They reached the NBA Finals in 2012, only to lose out to LeBron JamesMiami Heat.

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They were considered to be one of the best duos the league had ever seen. Both became perennial All-Stars. However, things got sour between them after Durant left the Thunder for the Golden State Warriors.

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They had a couple of on-court incidents in the succeeding years and their relationship became bitter. Things have since improved between them as they enter the twilight years of their careers.

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Whether Durant not wanting to play with Westbrook is the reason holding up Irving’s trade to the Lakers, only the players themselves will know. Only time will tell where all of them will be playing next season.

What do you think about Shannon Sharpe’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Pragya Vashisth

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Pragya is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed Masters in Sports Management from the International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai, he has been a passionate fan of the NBA since 2010. Pragya is a massive supporter of LeBron James and just wants to enjoy the twilight years of his Hall of Fame career.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani