The Clippers have made it no secret that they’re always pursuing potential deals and make them all the time. After all, they swung big for Paul George, and that doesn’t even take into account all the other trades they’ve made over the last few years.
Kyrie Irving was in a massive deal before. After all, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded him to the Boston Celtics in 2017 for what ended up being a few players and a first round pick. That pick turned into Collin Sexton.
However, Irving had to sit out the majority of the season due to vaccine mandates in New York because he only played 29 games. He played in all four of their postseason games, averaging 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 44% shooting.
Irving is a great shooter, averaging 23 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and 38% on 3-pointers.
As a result, the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers have been unable to reach a common ground in negotiations. Other teams might swoop in and make a play for Irving.
If Irving opts into the final year of his contract by June 29, the Clippers could trade for him, and then they and Irving can discuss possible player packages. If Irving opts out of the final year of his deal and hits free agency before July 1, there’s no way the Clippers can acquire him since he would not have to be traded.
Irving was a player who Leonard tried to recruit to Los Angeles before the trade for George was made in 2019.
The Clippers are currently in the game, but we still don’t know much about what’s going to happen with Irving.