San Antonio Spurs May Hold Keys to a Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook Trade

Sources say that the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are talking about a deal that would involve the San Antonio Spurs.

Sources said that the Lakers are interested in moving out of Russell Westbrook into Irving. The Nets, who currently project to be above the league's $150.3 million luxury tax threshold, aren't interested in trying to negotiate a new contract with Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook.

According to league sources, Brooklyn views resolving Kevin Durant's trade request as more important than clearing Irving's final $36.9 million of the Nets' books.

With the help of the Spurs, the Irving/Westbrook disaster could be solved with the help of the cap room. It would allow the Nets to get a huge trade exception for Irving.

Hesitant to overpay.

The Lakers and Nets want to relocate their former All-stars. The contract size and situation affect the trade value of both players.

At best, the Lakers will not overpay in a deal for Irving.

The Nets can do the same thing Houston did with John Wall last season by keeping Irving off the court.

If the Lakers give up value to get Irving, they need to resolve James' contract issue. The extension-and-trade would allow James and Irving to commit through the year 25. The end of Anthony Davis' deal coincides with that.

The player options for James and Irving could be similar to Davis' options. It might be enough for the Lakers to include a first-round pick in a deal.

Two distant first round picks can be sent out by L.A., but only one year prior to the event. The pick's availability in a two-team trade depends on who else the Nets send with Irving.

A healthy shooter like Curry, who is on an expiring deal, would hold more appeal. Harris had surgery on his ankle in March and is due $19.9 million by the year 24. Curry might give the Nets a first from the Lakers.

The Spurs would need to clear additional salary for Westbrook if they were to expand to a three way deal. If the Lakers left out Curry and Harris, they could get either Doug or Josh from San Antonio.

The Spurs are going through a rough patch.

The Spurs are believed to be fully committed to rebuilding after trading Dejounte Murray to the Hawks.

The teams consider veterans like Poeltl and Richardson. If he wanted to leave the Spurs, he would have to take a minimum of $3 million for a new team. The Spurs would only add an approximate net of $16.7 million because of the departures of McDermott and Westbrook.

If L.A. included either Nunn or Tucker, that could expand to include both Richardson and McDermott. Richardson would be more popular with the Lakers than the other way around.

Is it possible to netting Poeltl?

The Nets need to understand their own needs after the Durant trade. Is it possible that Brooklyn would not have a competitive roster. Poeltl could be folded into a three-way Irving deal.

Unless an immediate opportunity is a no-brainer for Brooklyn, an Irving resolution might take some time. A trade exception of up to $36.9 million may hold some appeal.

The Portland Trail blazers recently acquired Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons with the exception of sending out any active players in exchange. It took almost five months for that exception to be created. The Irving trade exception would have to be used by Brooklyn for a full year.

Irving's trade bonus would be Brooklyn's obligation if he's dealt. If Irving is exclusively dealt to the Lakers, he can use that as a weapon.

The Nets don't have to deal Irving or honor the trade request of the other player. Brooklyn might have an opportunity with the Lakers and Spurs. San Antonio will be willing to facilitate a deal if all three teams agree.

The Spurs may find other teams looking to take advantage of its cap space if not.

Email Eric Pincus and follow him on social media.