THE biggest news to drop in the basketball world was the sudden trade demand by Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets.

Even for those who are on 'expect the unexpected' mode for Kyrie, this is quite a surprise considering the timing and the aggressiveness. He wants to be traded ahead of the trade deadline, which is a week from now.

Granted, the Nets aren't obliged to give in to his demand. But this will entail too much unnecessary drama, especially for a team like the Nets who are fighting for their playoff spot without an injured Kevin Durant.

Conspiracy theory city