Kyrie Irving rumors tracker: Latest free agency news, projections to acquire Nets star

Brooklyn has been at the epicenter of the 2022 NBA offseason.

Things went from bad to OK to worse in a matter of days. The drama started with reports that Kyrie Irving and the Nets were not on the same page regarding contract negotiations, and that led to a series of rumors that Irving may leave Brooklyn.

Irving put an end to those rumors momentarily when he elected to pick up his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season. That decision didn't calm things down for long, though, as Kevin Durant formally requested a trade the next day.

MORE: What went wrong for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving?

The shocking news has the rumor mill swirling in Brooklyn — again. Now, it appears that the Nets will attempt to maximize their return in potential trades for their two stars.

The Sporting News has you covered with updates on all Irving-related news and rumors throughout the saga.

Kyrie Irving free agency: Tracking the latest news, rumors, predictions

Kyrie is prepared to play with Nets next season

Team: Brooklyn Nets 

Rumor: Kyrie Irving has not actually requested a trade and could still be on the Nets' roster when next season begins.  The Nets are finding that the market is dry on Irving, but according to reports, Irving opted-in to his contract for a reason. He wants to be there.  

Reported by: Brian Lewis, NY Post

Lakers have not yet made 'aggressive' push for Kyrie Irving trade

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumor: The Lakers have not been "aggressive" in pursuing a deal for Irving. Their mentality could change as the offseason progresses, but there is currently "no traction" on deals involving Irving or Durant.

Reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski

Nets, Lakers 'actively engaged' in Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook trade discussions

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumor: The Lakers and Nets are "actively engaged" in trade discussions involving Westbrook and Irving. Draft compensation is an "ongoing talking point," and the Nets would also like the Lakers to take on Joe Harris' remaining $38.6 million owed over the next two years. However, Los Angeles prefers Seth Curry, who is on an expiring contract worth $8.5 million.

Reported by: Chris Haynes

Kyrie Irving will accept $37 million player option to stay with Nets

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Irving is accepting his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season and will remain in Brooklyn.

Reported by: Shams Charania

Kyrie Irving is willing to take less money to sign with Lakers

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumor: "Sources with knowledge of the situation" believe that Irving is willing to opt out of Brooklyn and sign with the Lakers for $6 million before re-signing long term in 2023.

Reported by: Jake Fischer

Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission to find sign-and-trade deals

Team: Multiple teams

Rumor: Most in "both league and player circles" believe that Irving's time in Brooklyn is coming to a close, as he and his representation have requested — and received — permission to seek a sign-and-trade deal.

Reported by: Kristian Winfield

Kevin Durant is 'considering options'

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Amid the Irving drama, Durant is "monitoring" the team's situation and "considering options with his future." It is unclear whether Durant, who is under contract through the 2025-26 season, would request a trade if Irving doesn't re-sign with the Nets.

Reported by: Shams Charania

Kyrie Irving has list of teams for potential sign-and-trade deal

Team: Multiple teams

Rumor: If Irving and the Nets are unable to reach an agreement, he has a list of teams that he would like Brooklyn to consider in sign-and-trade scenarios. His list includes the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavericks and 76ers.

Reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski

Lakers are 'most significant threat' to acquire Kyrie Irving

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumor: The Lakers are considered the "most significant threat" to acquire Irving if he does leave the Nets, though he would have to give up significant money in order to sign with Los Angeles.

Reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski

Kyrie Irving responds to report with cryptic tweet

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Irving didn't issue a statement on Charania's report, only sending out a cryptic tweet featuring a GIF of Michael Potts' Brother Mouzone character from "The Wire."

Reported by: Irving's Twitter account

pic.twitter.com/1NuxXUan7Z

— A11Even (@KyrieIrving) June 20, 2022

Kyrie Irving, Nets at an 'impasse'

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Irving and the Nets are at an "impasse" that could "clear the way for [Irving] to consider the open marketplace." The Lakers, Knicks and Clippers are expected to be among the suitors for Irving if he leaves the Nets.

Reported by: Shams Charania