With the player empowerment movement at an all-time high, there’s no telling how long the game’s top players will remain with their current teams. At this point, scenarios that fans once thought impossible have become reality, and it’s accurate to say that anything can happen.
So as we eagerly await for the next big domino to drop this summer, it’s no surprise that some fans have gotten caught up in a very specific scenario involving Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
As of right now, the Celtics have emerged as a serious possibility as a landing spot for Durant. They have tremendous interest in bringing him in and view him as a piece that could take them over that final hurdle. Although there is work to be done, there is a deal to be had that would suffice the Nets’ overwhelming ask.
As for Kyrie Irving, the latest on him says that his eyes are set on the sunny skies of Los Angeles.
“Kyrie Irving is telling everybody he plans on going to LA meaning the Lakers, as soon as he possibly can,” said Stephen A. Smith. “The likelihood is that he’ll likely go through this season, and then when he becomes a free agent after this upcoming season is over, he plans on rejoining LeBron James in a Lakers uniform.”
If the rumors are to be believed, there’s a real chance that Durant and Irving could end up on opposite sides of the country, with one wearing Celtics green and the other donning the infamous Purple and Gold.
Naturally, fans had some fun imagining what a potential Finals matchup between both players (on their new teams) would be.
Imagine: KD goes to the Celtics, Kyrie goes to the Lakers, and they meet in the NBA Finals.
Absolute war for Banner No. 18.
Imagine: KD goes to the Celtics, Kyrie goes to the Lakers, and they meet in the NBA Finals.
Absolute war for Banner No. 18. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/JwoWaIkqSS
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 25, 2022
Adam Silver after scripting this pic.twitter.com/I6BsZOxzTA
— 🍀 (@Celts_4L) July 25, 2022
— Srikrishna 🏏🏀 (@1998Srikrishna) July 25, 2022
One major difference though, the Celtics were 2 wins away from banner 18 and Lakers missed the play in game. Even after these additions, the Celtics are MUCH better
— Dubs (@DubsKnowsBall) July 25, 2022
This is the only reason i would want it to happen @Under_Wood54
— Jayben Hinckley (@Hay_Jink23) July 25, 2022
Make it happen @Lakers @celtics
— adriel theodore (@adrieltheodore) July 25, 2022
For the initiated, the Lakers and Celtics just so happen to make up the biggest and longest-standing rivalry in the NBA. Throughout basketball history, the two teams have always clashed, from Russell vs. Wilt to Magic vs. Bird, and Kobe vs. Pierce.
Durant and Irving would make up the latest chapter in the epic saga, but it might end up going down as the best. First, both teams will have to make a bold move and finalize a trade for each player. It’s unlikely and still days off (at the very least) from being close to happening.
But the fact that such a scenario is even possible proves that the league has reached new levels of excitement, and it’s truly amazing to behold.
