The Los Angeles Lakers hoped Kyrie Irving would agree to a two-year, $78 million extension if they traded for him from the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
The Lakers wanted to protect themselves against the possibility of trading a significant package to the Nets to only have him leave in free agency.
The $78 million over two years was the most Irving was allowed to sign for as part of a trade under league rules and less than what he figures to command in July.
The Lakers still offered Russell Westbrook and two first round picks, but were unwilling to go further such as pick swaps and young players.