NBA Rumors: The Brooklyn Nets may be ready to move on from Kyrie Irving.
Just a couple of offseasons ago, the hope was that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would welcome the most exciting era in Brooklyn Nets basketball history. However, through three seasons in Brooklyn, that hasn’t exactly happened.
And, according to a recent report, it could all come to a crashing end this offseason. Kyrie Irving could opt out of the final year of his contract with the team (which he probably will) and be a free agent.
Though, the Nets aren’t exactly sold on the idea of giving Kyrie a long-term extension. Something that would likely be a problem for a 30-year-old Kyrie that will be looking for some financial security.
"[via NY Daily News]This is why the Nets’ championship hopes hinge on an amicable solution with Irving, whose personal decision not to get vaccinated and unpredictable injury history have left the Nets hesitant, and now, according to a source familiar with the Nets’ thought process, outright unwilling to give him a long-term extension."
Considering the level of influence that Durant has over the front office and how close Kyrie is with KD, this report (under the assumption that it’s true) is extremely surprising.
The Nets haven’t met expectations through two relatively healthy seasons of KD and Kyrie. But to think that this experiment was going to end after just two seasons (the first didn’t really count) is head-scratching.
Brooklyn blew up their entire roster for KD and Kyrie. They changed the status quo for these two. Now all that is in jeopardy for Kyrie doing Kyrie things?
The Nets are in trouble. This entire blueprint is in trouble. If Kyrie decides to leave Brooklyn high and dry, I’m not sure what the pivot is around Durant.
Though it’s probably just hoping Ben Simmons can shake off his inconsistencies and becomes the star many believe he can be.
This is a huge offseason for so many teams, and the Nets are certainly one of those in that bunch.