On Friday word came down that Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving had requested a trade out of town, adding more drama to an already tenuous stay in the Borough of Churches.

Irving, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, wants to get traded before the Thursday trade deadline. The Nets are 31-20, and are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

According to reports, Irving is upset that the Nets have not committed to him on a long term deal.

“The Nets and Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley-Irving, had discussed an extension recently, but Brooklyn remained reluctant to rush into a long-term commitment without further evidence that Irving could stay reliable, perform at a high level and remain controversy-free,” (ESPN).

Of course social media exploded over the last 24 hours since the news broke. Let’s look…

• Not giving Kyire Away

  “The Nets are not going to just give Kyrie Irving away. They will not just take back some assets and players.”
  
  -Richard Jefferson

  — Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) February 3, 2023

• Are Lakers a possiblity?

  The logic I'm seeing behind Kyrie's trade demand:
  
  Lakers are not going to have max cap space this summer, Kyrie knows it. So a trade where LA obtains his bird rights is his only route there.
  
  He could be looking for 2 outcomes:
  
  1. Nets cave, pay him
  2. Trade to LA, who pays him https://t.co/Vit7Cqj1PQ

  — Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 4, 2023

• Nets Insider

  So instead of the #Nets front office focusing on finding the missing pieces for a title run with KD/Kyrie, Marks will now need to expend time/energy testing the waters for a Kyrie trade. Another standoff and front office ahead of trade deadline. #NetsWorld #nba #nets

  — Nets Insider (@NetsHistory) February 4, 2023

• A Leverage Play

  In other words, this is a strong leverage point for Irving with the Nets—when he’s playing well & they need him with KD out. But they don’t have to do anything because they still have Bird rights and could extend him after the season.

  — Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 3, 2023

• Barstool Sports

  Kyrie Irving destroying every NBA team he has ever been a part of https://t.co/UbubDWsJW1

  — Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 3, 2023

• Reunion with LeBron

  “Sources believing he’s aiming for a reunion with LeBron James.”
  
  Per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports on Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/rriaeY5lfo

  — Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) February 4, 2023

• Fans Throwing Shade at Kyrie

  Kyrie Irving: Next chapter pic.twitter.com/cDbwdHLmay

  — Gardas (@Gardas111) February 4, 2023

• NBA Memes

  Kyrie Irving out of literally nowhere pic.twitter.com/ZFzlKzQ5ki

  — NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 3, 2023

• Adrian Wojnarowski

  So far, the Lakers, Mavericks and Suns have interest in trading for Kyrie Irving. Still, reluctance remains with making a commitment to a new contract upon his arrival. More here: https://t.co/kS3dTLiwzc

  — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2023

• Kyrie Irving Won't Play Tonight

  Nets say Kyrie Irving is out tonight due to calf soreness.

  — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 4, 2023

• Chris Broussard - FOX SPORTS

  "If Kevin Durant is open to a Russell Westbrook reunion, maybe you do it but if he's not, I probably would just let Kyrie Irving sit if he won't play for us. Nobody else is gonna want him and I wouldn't want to reward him by sending him somewhere else."
  
  🎙️@Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/ExCqdQYr8i

  — FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) February 3, 2023

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