The Brooklyn Nets might not be the most active team in the offseason, but they sure are getting a lot of attention in the NBA media right now. This is because two of their biggest superstars in, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, might be heading towards potential exits ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Ever since the duo joined the team in 2019, the Nets were expected to challenge for titles at least for the next 3-4 years. Three years later, it is safe to say that the same hasn’t come anywhere close to fruition, with the Nets making it to the second round of the playoffs at best.
Given how the last three years have played out, it is understandable to see a player like Kevin Durant requesting a trade from Brooklyn. Not only has the trade request led to trade rumors for KD, many critics doubt that even Kyrie Irving might be headed out of the franchise.
While the two have been silent about the situation, the media is out to find answers and even current Nets players aren’t safe. Recently New York Post’s Brian Lewis had a chat with Nets center Nicolas Claxton when the former was seen attending a Summer League game.
On being asked whether he was re-recruiting Durant and Irving, the 6’11” center reportedly laughed and had a hilarious comment.
Asked Nic Claxton if he has been re-recruiting Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. He laughed “That’s above my pay grade.” #nets #nba pic.twitter.com/5yt6LtzpAa
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) July 9, 2022
“That’s above my pay grade.”
The Nets certainly are in no hurry of making a decision about the future of their franchise. While it’s already been more than a week since the Durant trade request, Brooklyn will look to bag the best package available for the player, and so far, it seems they aren’t convinced by any specific offer on the table.
As for Kyrie Irving, the 30-year-old on paper has opted to stay for an additional year with the team, and similar to Durant, the team will be evaluating the best options available.
Another thing to note, though, is that both the players are contractually obligated to play for Brooklyn, and if the Nets are not convinced of a trade package, they could possibly run it back with the team.
With a capable supporting cast on their side and Durant and Irving suiting up for the team, Brooklyn could easily be a team to challenge the best of the best.
