Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets don't appear any closer to resolving their contractual dispute with the opening of free agency fast approaching.
Irving's camp received permission from the Nets to speak with other teams about potential sign-and-trade packages, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports. Those within league and player circles reportedly believe the point guard will leave the Nets before next season begins.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the only known team planning a pursuit of Irving through a sign-and-trade, though Brooklyn isn't interested in their current packages, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
After Irving missed the majority of the Nets' home games last season because of his refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, Brooklyn has been reluctant to offer him the long-term contract he's seeking this offseason.
In addition to the Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks were previously reported as Irving's desired destinations if a trade materializes.
Irving has until June 29 to decide whether or not to exercise his $36.5-million player option for next season.
Irving's tenure in Brooklyn has been a tumultuous one, with the point guard appearing in only 103 of a possible 226 regular-season games since 2019. He previously missed significant stretches in 2020-21 due to personal reasons.
The Nets are coming off a disappointing first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in April.
