NBA Rumors: Kyrie Irving Prepared to Sit out Rest of Nets Season After Trade Request

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is prepared to sit out the remainder of the season if he's not traded ahead of the NBA's Feb. 9 deadline, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported Saturday on NBA Countdown.

Irving requested a trade from the Nets on Friday after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new deal, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Irving will be one of the top players available ahead of Thursday's deadline, and the Nets would be smart to trade him and at least acquire something in exchange for his services as he's set to become a free agent this summer.

If Brooklyn holds onto Irving, they risk having him walk in free agency and getting nothing in return.

Irving did not submit a list of desired destinations, according to Wojnarowski, so it's likely that the Nets will take the best offer they receive from any team, whether that be from the Los Angeles Lakers or elsewhere.

The Purple and Gold have been most heavily linked to a deal for Irving. Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported Friday that he expects the team to have "serious discussions" with the Nets on a deal for the point guard.

Additionally, Wojnarowski reported Saturday that Lakers star LeBron James is "an immense proponent of making a deal for his former [Cleveland] Cavaliers teammate and the Lakers are operating as a motivated suitor for Irving."

James and Irving teamed up to lead the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016. The duo proved to be one of the best in the NBA, so it's no surprise they're interested in a reunion in Southern California.

However, the Lakers aren't the only team expected to bid on Irving's services. The Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams interested in the eight-time All-Star, per Wojnarowski.

Irving would be a solid investment for any of those title-contending franchises. The 30-year-old is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 40 games while shooting 48.6 percent from the floor and 37.4 percent from deep.

If Irving isn't dealt ahead of Thursday's deadline, at the very least we can expect him to be playing elsewhere next season.