The Brooklyn Nets are a franchise that has received an enormous amount of media attention this offseason, as superstar Kevin Durant has requested a trade away from the franchise. There has been a lot of speculation about where Kevin Durant will end up, along with similar discussions about his co-star Kyrie Irving.
Thus far, though, the Nets have resisted trading away either of their two stars. They could still potentially be a competitive team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the roster, but that seems like a longshot. If the two stars do end up getting moved, then the Brooklyn Nets will likely end up as a rebuilding team.
The uncertainty surrounding the Brooklyn Nets is reflected in the league’s decisions regarding marquee Christmas Day games. The league’s full Christmas Day schedule has been revealed, and the Brooklyn Nets were not among the teams playing despite their stars still being on the roster. NBA insider Keith Smith suggested that the league might not “feel comfortable” giving a Christmas game to a franchise that could end up “in at least semi-rebuilding mode” by Christmas time.
It's notable that the Brooklyn Nets aren't playing on Christmas Day. Clearly the NBA doesn't feel comfortable giving a marquee slot to a team that could be in at least semi-rebuilding mode come Christmas.
(Yes, I know who else is playing. Feel free to make your jokes anyway.)
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 14, 2022
It’s notable that the Brooklyn Nets aren’t playing on Christmas Day. Clearly the NBA doesn’t feel comfortable giving a marquee slot to a team that could be in at least semi-rebuilding mode come Christmas.
It remains to be seen where and when the Brooklyn Nets stars end up getting traded. Kevin Durant has been linked with the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers in recent memory, while Kyrie Irving has most frequently been connected with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Of course, things could end up changing between now and the start of the season. Perhaps there is a chance that we will end up seeing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving suit up for the Nets once again. However, as of right now, it seems as though the two stars getting moved is only a matter of time.
