The Brooklyn Nets couldn’t escape the NBA spotlight and all the drama that comes with it in recent months. As if getting swept in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics wasn’t bad enough, the Nets then faced the ensuing turmoil with Kevin Durant asking for a trade and trade rumors surrounding also the immediate future of Kyrie Irving.
Although Irving hasn’t officially asked the team for a trade like Durant, many have been quick to speculate this offseason that the seven-time All-Star guard may already have a foothold in Brooklyn given he doesn’t have any left. only a year. on his contract.
The Nets have been unwilling to negotiate a long-term deal with Kyrie Irving this offseason and as a result, a shadow of doubt has been cast over this entire franchise not just for the 2022-23 season, but for their foreseeable future. .
If the Nets were to lose Irving and Durant, they would face a long and exhausting rebuilding process simply because of the lack of assets they own.
Giving up nearly all of their draft capital in 2021 to acquire James Harden from the Houston Rockets, the Nets have virtually no draft picks, not much cap space, and they wouldn’t have star players to build. if they traded both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Now, in August, more than a month since Durant requested a trade and Irving trade rumors began circulating around the league, things have calmed down considerably in the league when it comes to these two All-Stars simply because the trade market for both players are broken.
No team in the league can give up the assets the Nets are missing for Kevin Durant and when it comes to Kyrie Irving’s situation, it seems the narrative has changed dramatically.
While early reports suggested Irving had an interest in joining the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, it now appears that wasn’t entirely factual and the All-Star actually wants to play for the Nets in the 2022-23 season. .
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, who covers the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks closely, sources close to Irving said he was “well placed with the Nets and comfortable heading into the 2022-23 season.”
Irving has publicly stated that he wants to stay in Brooklyn long-term on several occasions, but many are always quick to create any kind of story they can, especially if it’s about a potential reunion between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Los Angeles.
Although he wants a long-term deal and security, training camps around the NBA start in September and it looks like from now on Kyrie Irving will be there for the Brooklyn Nets.
If that actually happened and Irving did in fact commit to the 2022-23 season with the Nets, as it appears he already did by opting into his player option, then Durant could very well follow his example and set aside his trade request for the time being.
With the volatility of the NBA offseason and the aggressiveness of front offices trying to make trades, it wouldn’t be shocking to see either All-Star traded before the start of the 2022 season. -23.
However, don’t be surprised if Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant stay with the Brooklyn Nets in pursuit of a title.