Kyrie Irving may have to reckon with the likelihood that he won’t be moved to his dream destination of the Los Angeles Lakers this season, as the Nets have been unwilling to accept any of the deals that the Lakers have sent so far. The priority in Brooklyn is to move Kevin Durant first and then worry about where Irving will be going.
With trade talks on Durant slowing down, many people have wondered if this is a sign that both Irving and KD will be returning to the Nets for one more season. While KD will continue being under contract after 2022-23, Irving will be a free agent as the Nets don’t seem interested in extending his contract anymore.
Alex Schiffer of The Athletic believes that the Nets won’t be willing to bring Irving back for another season unless significant changes are made.
Will Kyrie Irving be on the Nets next season?@Alex__Schiffer remains skeptical.
More: https://t.co/cShWfeBmuH pic.twitter.com/xBzFupD6of
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 27, 2022
Funny you mention Irving. I’m still skeptical he’s a Net next season. Would it surprise me? No. He’s from the area, and has a home and newborn there along with the rest of his family. But the vibe I got with the Nets was that last season was such a mess that they don’t want to run it back unless significant changes are made.
Schiffer doesn’t elucidate on what ‘changes’ need to be made. Is it a better roster that can take the load of Irving and KD missing games or a personality change in Irving that makes him available to the team for as close to 82 games as possible?
Considering all the baggage that this situation has with the unhappy stars and frustrated front office, it is best for the Nets to move on from these players. However, they can’t do that without equitable compensation in the trade market, so they are hoping that this situation can resolve itself sooner rather than later.
