Does this trade make sense for the Brooklyn Nets?
The Brooklyn Nets would definitely not be getting equal value to that of Irving in this trade from the San Antonio Spurs, but they really need to answer the question of whether or not they need/want Kyrie Irving long-term.
There does not appear to be an end in sight for this issue in regards to the vaccine and the mandates in New York City, which could result in Irving sitting out the entire 2021-22 season. Having just one year left on his contract after this season, the Nets could very well take this opportunity to get what they can for the All-Star guard before he up and leaves in the offseason after possibly declining his player option for next season.
Derrick White and Thaddeus Young are two key players for the Nets to add to their system and two guys who can immediately contribute in any role needed.
White has averaged 10.8 points, 3.4 assists and has shot 35.7% from three-point range through the first four years of his career, making him a young guard that could complement James Harden quite nicely.
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As for Thaddeus Young, he would take pressure off of Kevin Durant at the power forward position and be another reliable rebounder this team could have in their second unit. LaMarcus Aldridge has supplied the Brooklyn Nets with a lot of stability in their second unit and Young could do the same.
With the Bulls last season, Thad Young averaged 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and shot 55.9% from the floor. While he has not played much with the Spurs this season, Young has continued to be a productive talent in the frontcourt, averaging 8.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and shooting 62.1% from the floor.
Brooklyn’s frontcourt has always been a weakness of theirs, which is why Thaddeus Young could step right into a big role for them and help make them a better team on both ends of the floor.
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This is definitely not an equal trade in terms of value for the Nets, as Kyrie Irving is one of the best point guards in NBA history, but if they want to move Kyrie, this could be one of the better trades presented to them.
White is a player they can utilize for many years to come and Young being in the final year of his contract saves a lot of money for Brooklyn Nets’ ownership. The Nets should not actively pursue this trade, but it is definitely worth considering if presented to them.