Simon Briffa
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Publish Date: 06/24/2022
Fact checked by: Mike Goodpaster
Report: Kyrie Irving to leave Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant to follow
It has been reported that Kyrie Irving’s tenure with the Brooklyn Nets would come to an end, and it prompted Kevin Durant to join him in leaving the team. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting on the NBA!
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Durant was monitoring the situation and considering his options. Irving has the chance to find a new team via opt-in and trade, and he needs to decide by June 29.
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“Kevin Durant is monitoring the Brooklyn Nets’ situation and considering options with his future,” Charania said.
“This now opens the path for Kyrie Irving to proceed on finding a new home via opt-in and trade.”
Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN also reported that Irving had provided the Nets with a list of teams he would consider being traded to. These include the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, these teams do not have enough cap space to sign Irving without the Nets helping.
[mytwitter url=”https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1539739618890981377″]Irving has only 103 games in three seasons with the Nets, and Brooklyn has been reported to object to Irving’s proposal to be let go.
It was also reported that the Nets and Irving could only discuss his possibility of opting into the final year of his current deal and could not talk about a new one until before free agency.
If Irving decides to be a free agent, it is likely that he would earn significantly less.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said last month that talks regarding Irving’s deal were still on. That being said he did not provide details on Irving’s future with the team.
“So he has to look at what he’s going to do with his player option and so forth like that,” He said. “I think we know what we’re looking for. We’re looking for guys that want to come in here and be part of something bigger than themselves. Play selfless, play team basketball, and be available … and that goes not only for Kyrie but for everybody here.”
Durant to follow Irving
Whatever Irving’s decision is, it will affect Durant’s position in the Nets.
Durant is currently on a four-year extension with the Nets. He has been on the team for as long as Irving. Both Irving and Durant arrived in Brooklyn in 2019.
So far, Irving has only played in 103 games in the last three seasons. He also lost a lot of money due to his injuries and his choice to remain unvaccinated as well as his temporary absence from the team.
Nick Friedell from ESPN said that while Durant and Irving are not as close as they once were, the former remained more loyal to the latter than to the team.
“At every turn, [Durant] has been there to support [Irving].”
Wojnarowski said that if Irving leaves, Durant will be leaving as well, much to the Nets’ dismay.
“Irving’s strong connection to Durant is like a domino that dismantling the roster. Brooklyn is walking the narrowest walkways; keeping conviction on Irving’s contract talks and keeping Durant’s desire to remains a Net player,” he said.
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