Nets Seeking Win-Now Talent In Return For Kyrie Irving

If the Nets trade Kyrie Irving, it won’t be for those so-called “future assets.” Instead, they would want players who could help them win today.

That’s the latest from Marc Stein of The Stein Line, who wrote that the Nets are seeking veterans who can help instill a winning culture — as opposed to the uncertainty of draft picks.

“The Nets’ current stance, sources say, is that they are unwilling to send out Irving in a trade if the deal solely brings back future assets,” Stein wrote. “They apparently want win-now talent in return to part with Irving, despite all of the turmoil that has engulfed the Nets for months.”

Granted, it does not seem as if the Nets are desperate to trade Irving. They seem much more inclined to keep him. Also, one recent report suggested he is planning to stay in Brooklyn next season — with or without Kevin Durant.

As we’ve relayed on multiple occasions, the Lakers are the one team that’s supposedly been in hot pursuit of Irving. They reportedly are willing to offer both of their available future first-rounders (2027, ’29) as part of the deal, as well as Russell Westbrook.

No dice, the Nets say, per reports.

In other words, if the Nets do continue to explore Irving trades, it’s a long shot that the Lakers will be able to make the best offer. Excluding LeBron James and Anthony Davis, their roster isn’t exactly littered with “win-now” types. Far from it.

Bottom line: The Nets seem to think they could get significantly better offers for Irving from other teams. They may be right.