The 2021 Brooklyn Nets were one of the most talent-packed teams in recent NBA history. With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden forming a superteam, they entered the season as heavy favorites to win it all. Injuries and off-court challenges, however, derailed their title hopes, leading to a heartbreaking playoff exit. Now, a few years later, the players from that squad have gone in very different directions. Let’s take a look at where those stars—and key role players—ended up.
Notes: Only players who played a minimum of 20 games for the 2020-21 Brooklyn Nets will be included on this list. Only LaMarcus Aldridge, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert are exceptions because of their contribution to the team.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant was the crown jewel of the 2021 Brooklyn Nets. At that time, he was coming off a remarkable comeback after his Achilles injury in 2019 and looked like the most unstoppable player in the league. Durant’s 2020-21 season was nothing short of spectacular—he averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting a ridiculous 53.7% from the field and 45.0% from deep. The Nets had big hopes for that season with KD leading the charge alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden, forming one of the most hyped superteams in NBA history.
Durant’s playoff run that year solidified his place as one of the greatest to ever play. Even though injuries to Kyrie and Harden derailed the Nets’ title hopes, KD nearly carried them past the eventual champion Bucks in the second round. Who could forget that Game 7? Durant dropped 48 points and came within literal inches of sending Brooklyn to the Conference Finals, his foot barely on the three-point line for what would’ve been a series-winning shot. Despite the loss, that performance reminded everyone just how dominant he could be.
Fast forward to now, and Durant’s journey has taken him to the Phoenix Suns. After a rollercoaster ride with the Nets that included trade requests, drama, and a midseason blockbuster move in 2023, KD landed in Phoenix, joining Devin Booker to form a dynamic duo. The Suns were instantly viewed as contenders with Durant in the fold, and he wasted no time making an impact.
In the 2024-25 season, Durant has continued to show why he’s a generational talent. Through 12 games, he’s averaging 26.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 53.2% from the field. The Suns started the season hot with a 5-1 record, but a calf strain sidelined Durant in November for seven games. Without him, the Suns stumbled, managing just one win in that stretch. His return at the end of November gave the team a much-needed boost, with Durant dropping 23 points in a big win over the Lakers.
Currently, the Suns sit at 11-8 and hold the 7th spot in the Western Conference. Durant’s presence is essential not just for their offense but also as a leader on the court. There’s already talk of a potential contract extension to keep him in Phoenix long-term, as the team sees him as the key to their championship hopes. Even years after his stint with the Nets, KD remains one of the most impactful players in the league, proving his greatness every time he steps on the floor.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving was one of the brightest stars on the Nets, a team that seemed destined to win it all. That season, Kyrie was at his absolute best, averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while putting up an insanely efficient 50-40-90 shooting split. His ability to break down defenses and hit tough shots made him a perfect complement to Kevin Durant and James Harden, forming one of the most talented trios the league had ever seen.
Despite their dominance in the regular season, injuries derailed the Nets’ playoff hopes. Kyrie himself went down with an ankle injury in the second round against the Bucks, leaving KD to shoulder the load. Brooklyn fell short in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss, and that season marked the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for Kyrie’s tenure in Brooklyn.
In the following seasons, Kyrie’s time with the Nets was marked by a mix of brilliant on-court performances and off-court drama. His decision to remain unvaccinated during the 2021-22 season led to him missing significant time due to New York’s health mandates. While he continued to put up big numbers when available, the team’s chemistry began to suffer, and by the 2022-23 season, it was clear that the superteam experiment wasn’t going as planned. Irving requested a trade and was sent to the Mavericks midseason, effectively ending Brooklyn’s championship dreams.
Now with the Mavericks, Kyrie has thrived as one of their key leaders. Last season, he and Luka Doncic powered Dallas to the NBA Finals, though they ultimately fell short to the Celtics. In the 2024-25 season, Kyrie has continued to play at an elite level, averaging 24.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over 18 games. His leadership has been crucial, especially when Luka has been sidelined. Kyrie’s ability to take over games was on full display recently when he dropped 30 points in a win over the Jazz, keeping Dallas competitive in the crowded Western Conference.
Kyrie’s journey has had its ups and downs, but his talent and skill on the court remain undeniable. From his dazzling days with the Nets to now leading the Mavericks, he’s still one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.
James Harden
James Harden was the team’s engine, adding his MVP-level playmaking to an already stacked team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. After forcing his way out of Houston in January 2021, Harden hit the ground running in Brooklyn, averaging 24.6 points, 10.9 assists, and 8.5 rebounds over 36 games. His ability to create for himself and others made the Nets look unstoppable on paper.
But as we all know, the season didn’t end the way they hoped. Harden’s hamstring injury in the playoffs was a massive blow. He gutted it out and played through pain in that epic Game 7 against the Bucks, but he wasn’t anywhere near his usual self. The Nets fell in overtime, and that loss kind of marked the start of things unraveling for Brooklyn’s big three.
By the 2021-22 season, things got rocky. Injuries, chemistry issues, and off-court distractions were the story. Harden eventually decided he’d had enough and got traded to the Sixers in February 2022. His time in Philly had its moments, but it didn’t lead to any deep playoff runs. So, when the opportunity came to team up with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Harden jumped to the Clippers in the summer of 2023.
Going to this second Clippers’ season, Harden is still showing he’s got plenty left in the tank. With the Clippers, he’s averaging 22.3 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds through 22 games. Just the other day, he dropped 39 points, 11 assists, and nine boards in a big win over the Nuggets, reminding everyone that he can still take over a game when he wants to.
Harden’s journey since those 2021 Nets days has been a wild ride, but he’s adapted every step of the way. While that Brooklyn squad didn’t deliver the ring everyone expected, Harden’s contributions were a huge part of why they were so feared. Now in his second Clippers’ season, he’s trying to chase that elusive championship once again.
Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert was one of the most exciting young players on the 2021 Nets, known for his scoring, playmaking, and ability to heat up at any moment. That season, he averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 12 games before being traded as part of the blockbuster deal that brought James Harden to Brooklyn. While it was bittersweet to see him go, the move ended up being a life-saving moment—during a routine physical after the trade, doctors found a mass on his kidney. He underwent surgery, made a full recovery, and was back on the court by March 2021.
After landing with the Pacers, LeVert quickly became a key piece for Indiana, showing the same scoring touch that made him so valuable in Brooklyn. In February 2022, he was on the move again, this time joining the Cavaliers to help them with their playoff push. His ability to come off the bench or start and still deliver has made him a solid contributor for Cleveland.
This season, LeVert is averaging 11.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 15 games for the Cavs. He recently came back from a short stint on the injury report with a knee issue, putting up eight points on the Hawks and 13 against the Celtics in limited minutes during his return. While his numbers aren’t as flashy as they were earlier in his career, he’s still a valuable piece for Cleveland as they look to make noise in the Eastern Conference.
Joe Harris
Joe Harris was the Nets’ go-to sharpshooter during the 2020-21 season, the guy you wanted spotting up beyond the arc while KD, Kyrie, and Harden handled business. That year, he averaged 14.1 points per game and shot a ridiculous 47.5% from three, leading the league. Basically, if you left him open, it was game over.
In 2023, the Nets decided to shake things up, and Joe was traded to the Pistons. But his time in Detroit didn’t last long—by February 2024, the Pistons waived him, and just like that, his NBA career came to a close. It was a tough ending for a guy who had been such a consistent piece for Brooklyn for years.
Not long after, Joe decided to call it a career. He retired from basketball, looking back on what he called an incredible journey. From being a second-round pick to becoming one of the league’s deadliest three-point shooters, Harris had a career that most players could only dream of. For Nets fans, he’ll always be remembered as a key part of those exciting years, draining threes and helping stretch the floor for some of the best offensive teams we’ve ever seen.
LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge joined the Brooklyn Nets in March 2021, hoping to add some veteran presence and frontcourt depth to a team stacked with talent. He looked solid right away, but after just five games, he experienced an irregular heartbeat during a game against the Lakers. It was a scary moment, and Aldridge decided to step away from the game in April 2021, prioritizing his health over basketball.
After some time and getting medical clearance, Aldridge shocked everyone by coming out of retirement in September 2021, re-signing with the Nets. He played well during the 2021-22 season, showing flashes of the All-Star big man he’d been for years. But by March 2023, after 16 seasons in the league, he decided it was time to hang it up for good.
These days, Aldridge has stepped out of the NBA spotlight and is living life away from the game. He hasn’t made a ton of public appearances or big moves, but it’s safe to assume he’s enjoying retirement and spending time with his family. Known for his smooth mid-range jumper and steady presence in the paint, Aldridge will always be remembered as one of the best power forwards of his era.
Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen has come a long way since his early days with the Brooklyn Nets. After being traded to the Cavaliers in January 2021 as part of the blockbuster James Harden deal, Allen wasted no time proving he was a cornerstone player. Cleveland locked him up with a five-year, $100 million contract, and he’s been a crucial part of their rise ever since.
Last season, Allen was as steady as ever, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while anchoring the Cavs’ defense and cleaning up on the boards. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and this past summer, Cleveland rewarded him with a three-year, $91 million extension, keeping him with the team through 2029.
This year, Allen is doing what he does best: dominating the paint and stacking double-doubles. Through 16 games in the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 14.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He recently dropped his fourth straight double-double in a matchup against the Celtics, showing he’s still one of the most reliable bigs in the league.
The Cavs, meanwhile, have been on fire, starting the season with a historic 15-0 run. Allen’s rim protection and rebounding have been a huge part of their success, and his leadership on and off the court has helped make Cleveland a legit contender in the East. From Brooklyn’s young shot-blocker to Cleveland’s defensive anchor, Jarrett Allen has established himself as one of the league’s top centers, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green was one of the unsung heroes of the Nets. While KD, Kyrie, and Harden got most of the attention, Green was the glue guy—hitting big shots, playing tough defense, and doing all the little things that helped the team run smoothly. That season, he averaged 11.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 41.2% from deep, providing veteran leadership and a steady presence in the frontcourt.
One of his most memorable performances came in the playoffs that year, when he dropped 27 points in Game 5 against the Bucks, helping the Nets secure a crucial win in what turned out to be an epic series. Even though Brooklyn fell short in Game 7, Green’s contributions were key during their run.
At 38 years old this season, Jeff Green is still going strong. After bouncing around the league post-Brooklyn, he’s now with the Houston Rockets, playing more of a mentor role for a young, hungry squad. This season, he’s appeared in 7 games, averaging 2.4 points and 0.6 rebounds in limited minutes. While his role on the court has shrunk, his value in the locker room and as a leader is bigger than ever.
Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets in March 2021, looking to add some veteran experience and versatility to their star-studded roster. That season, he averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in about 21.5 minutes per game, shooting an efficient 49.2% from the field. In the playoffs, he had some big moments, especially in Game 1 against the Bucks, where he dropped 18 points and grabbed 14 boards, showing he still had plenty left in the tank when it mattered most.
After his time with the Nets, Blake signed with the Boston Celtics for the 2022-23 season, taking on more of a leadership role while contributing as needed on the court. By April 2024, he decided to hang it up, announcing his retirement after an incredible 14-year career. With six All-Star nods and a Rookie of the Year award to his name, Blake left behind a legacy of highlight dunks, elite athleticism, and the ability to adapt his game as his career progressed.
Landry Shamet
Landry Shamet was a solid bench piece, bringing some much-needed shooting to a team loaded with stars. That season, he averaged 9.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, hitting 38.7% of his threes. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but his ability to stretch the floor made him a valuable role player in their rotation.
After his time with the Nets, Shamet bounced around a bit. He had stints with the Suns and the Wizards, continuing to show his value as a sharpshooter. In 2024, the Wizards declined his $11 million team option, and he hit free agency. The Knicks picked him up on a one-year deal, but bad luck struck in preseason when he dislocated his shoulder. The injury led to the Knicks waiving him before the season even got underway.
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown was a key role player for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season, known for his defensive versatility and energy off the bench. After his time with the Nets, he had stints with the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers. In mid-January 2024, Brown was traded to the Toronto Raptors. Over his final 34 games with Toronto in the 2023-24 season, he averaged 9.6 points on 48.1% shooting, along with 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 26.1 minutes per game.
Unfortunately, Brown’s momentum was halted when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in September 2024. This procedure has kept him sidelined for the start of the 2024-25 season. As of the start of December, he remains out indefinitely, focusing on rehabilitation with hopes of returning to the court later in the season.
DeAndre Jordan
DeAndre Jordan, who was a big part of the Nets’ frontcourt rotation during the 2020-21 season, is still hanging around in the league, now with the Denver Nuggets. Back in his Brooklyn days, he was the veteran big man anchoring the defense and catching lobs when needed. While his role was already starting to shrink, he was still a valuable piece of that squad loaded with talent.
Now, at 36, Jordan is more of a locker-room leader than an on-court contributor. This season with the Nuggets, he’s averaging 2.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes over 8 games. His main focus these days is mentoring younger players and stepping in when the team needs a reliable veteran presence. While his high-flying Clippers days are long gone, Jordan’s still making an impact in his own way.
Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton is the last man standing from the 2021 Brooklyn Nets squad, and he’s become a cornerstone for the team. Back then, he was just a promising young big man, showing flashes of his potential as a rim protector and lob threat. Fast forward to now, and Claxton has turned into one of the best defensive centers in the league, anchoring the Nets on that end of the floor.
In June 2024, Brooklyn made it clear how much they value him, signing him to a four-year, $100 million deal. This season, he’s been dealing with some back issues, which have slowed him down a bit, but he’s still putting in work. In a recent game against the Magic, he put up eight points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, reminding everyone why he’s so important to this team. As the lone survivor of that 2021 roster, Claxton’s growth has been a bright spot for the Nets as they continue to rebuild around him.
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot’s time with the Brooklyn Nets was pretty short but memorable for a guy who didn’t get major minutes. In the 2020-21 season, he was mostly a depth piece, coming in off the bench and providing some energy and perimeter defense when called upon. He didn’t put up huge stats—just 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game—but he was a solid role player who could fill in when needed.
After his stint with the Nets, he bounced around a bit. He had brief stints with the Atlanta Hawks and even played overseas for a while. Fast forward to 2024, and he’s playing in Spain with Baskonia, hoping to bring his experience to the European courts. As of now, he’s sidelined with a calf injury, so he’s not on the court at the moment, but his journey reflects his resilience and ability to adapt, whether in the NBA or overseas.
Tyler Johnson
Tyler Johnson had a solid run with the Brooklyn Nets, especially during the 2020-21 season, when he served as a reliable backup guard. He didn’t play a huge role on the stat sheet, averaging around 7.7 points and 2.2 assists in limited minutes, but his hustle and three-point shooting kept him valuable off the bench.
Since leaving the Nets, Johnson’s journey has been a bit quieter. He had stints with the Phoenix Suns and even spent time in the G League. However, as of 2024, he has been out of the NBA. After bouncing around a bit, he is now playing overseas in Australia, continuing his pro career with the Sydney Kings.
Reggie Perry
Reggie Perry had a short stint with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21, but he didn’t exactly make a huge impact. He showed some flashes of potential, especially in the G League, but during his time with the Nets, he played limited minutes, averaging just 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds across 12 games. He was more of a depth piece, filling in when needed, but wasn’t part of the team’s main rotation.
After being waived by Brooklyn, Perry hasn’t really stuck with an NBA team. He’s spent most of his time in the G League, trying to develop his game and keep pushing for another shot in the league. As of 2024, he’s with the Stockton Kings, working to stay sharp and improve, maybe hoping for a call-up or an overseas opportunity.
Chris Chiozza
Chris Chiozza didn’t have a long run with the Brooklyn Nets, mostly serving as a backup point guard and coming in for a few minutes here and there. He didn’t rack up big numbers, but his quickness and ability to run the offense were solid, especially when he was called upon to give the starters a break. During his time in Brooklyn, he averaged 4.0 points and 3.0 assists per game.
After his time with the Nets, Chiozza spent a lot of time in the G League, though he did have a few brief NBA appearances. By 2024, he’s made the move overseas, playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. It’s been a bit of a journey for him, but he’s still out there doing his thing, trying to make the most of his time abroad and keep his career going.
