3 Ripple effects of blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade on the Spurs

2. The Spurs' high asking price may be too high.

With significant cap space remaining, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly reached out to the Spurs in hopes of including them in a 3-team trade. That didn't happen, of course, possibly due to the Spurs' haggling over draft assets, with both the Brooklyn Nets and the Spurs wanting two first-round picks from the Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks and Clippers offered separate trade packages, with the Nets ultimately dealing with the former. Based on that information, it's entirely possible that the Nets, Lakers, and Spurs trade fell apart because of the latter's high asking price. While that might make most fans' day since it kept the Lakers from improving, it could come back to haunt the team.

Los Angeles had sent conflicting signals about their willingness to part with their two most valuable assets, but they were willing to move them for Irving. However, there is no guarantee that they will offer those assets again before the trade deadline. There is also no guarantee they would include the Spurs in the deal if they do. The Spurs will likely still have several options ahead of the deadline, but they may have to adjust their hardball strategy or risk having another deal fall through at the last minute.