Well, it was a nice season of parity in the NBA as the Golden State Warriors won one of the most evenly balanced championships in recent history. All of that could change this summer, though, with the fallout of Kyrie Irving’s latest implosion ready to shake the league.
How impactful could Irving’s decision be?
At its most earth-shaking, the aftermath of Kyrie forcing his way out of Brooklyn could see not only a superstar talent such as Irving himself joining a different team — but could result in the likes of Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and veteran free agents such as Patty Mills, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldrige and Andre Drummond all jumping ship.
So, yeah. Irving is wielding the Infinity Gauntlet right now.
Kyrie Irving’s upcoming fallout with the Brooklyn Nets could mean a more difficult path to another title for the Golden State Warriors.
ESPN Sources: If Kyrie Irving can’t reach an agreement to stay with Brooklyn, he has a list of teams he’d like them to consider on sign-and-trades, including Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavs and 76ers. None of those teams have cap space to sign him without Nets’ help.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
Only, the seven-time All-Star does not have much leverage. He can’t reasonably join a team of his choosing without incredible help from the Brooklyn Nets to complete a sign-and-trade to one of his preferred destinations.
This will be more difficult than usual as just about every team is looking in the other direction with Irving on the market. That is, except for one of his old partners, LeBron James.
Let’s say the Lakers manage to package a deal worthy of bringing Irving and James back together. the trio of LeBron, Kyrie and Anthony Davis would bring the Lakers back into title contention, at least, if Irving is able to focus on basketball for an extended period of time.
More damaging would be the rest of the dominoes. It’s possible Durant would want out next, followed by Simmons and the rest of the gang. Now, there is no reason to think the Nets will simply oblige all three of their stars and punt on what could have been a dynasty had everything worked out.
But if we are going full doomsday, the potential for Irving’s decision to make another superteam in LA, as well as bolster whoever snags Durant, Simmons and the veteran depth pieces, is something the Warriors will want to watch closely.
After all, the Dubs might have to face one of these teams in the near future.