NBA insiders reveal Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving's potential plans with the Brooklyn Nets
It’s NBA Draft night, and teams are sure to be wheeling and dealing. But the opt-out deadline is also approaching, and a big decision could come from Kyrie Irving — and Kevin Durant is dialed in.
Durant is “monitoring” the ongoing situation between Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania. Irving can opt in to his option with Brooklyn, but rumors have swirled that he might opt out of the deal. If he does, Durant could be on the move, as well.
Shortly after Charania’s report, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Irving has a list of teams ready to go if he decides not to stay in Brooklyn. He said the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers are all on that list. However, Brooklyn would have to do something to help any of those teams create the necessary salary cap space.
The opt-out deadline is coming up June 29, just one day before the start of NBA free agency.
More on Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets
Irving’s option is worth $36 million, and the former Duke star’s decision will likely determine Durant’s future with the Nets. The duo joined forces in Brooklyn in 2019 and eventually brought in James Harden to create an impressive big three. However, Harden, Irving and Durant only played 16 games together before the Nets traded Harden to the 76ers at the trade deadline to acquire Ben Simmons, who still has yet to suit up in a Nets uniform as he works his way back from a back injury.
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This past season, Irving only played in 29 games as he sat out many home games at Barclays Center due to New York’s vaccine mandate. Irving isn’t vaccinated, but New York changed its mandate in time for him to play in home games just before the regular season ended and the playoffs started.
Now, his future with the Nets is in question — and, therefore, so is Durant’s. It’s sure to be one of the biggest storylines of draft night.