So far, it hasn't been a pretty offseason for the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant requested for a trade, which means Kyrie Irving is likely on his way out as well, despite opting into his player option last week. But, the organization has made it crystal clear they're going to wait it out for any deals for both of their stars, most notably KD. It's not every day that a player of his caliber becomes available via trade and the Nets know they can fetch an absolute haul in return for Durant.
The latest report from Shams Charania indicated that Brooklyn is operating under the assumption that both KD and Kyrie will be back with the team next season. At this point, it feels unlikely because if Durant is unhappy, he's almost always going to get his wish, and that's to play for the Phoenix Suns at this moment in time. As for Irving, well, there has been no serious traction in trade talks for him with the Lakers, but it's hard to imagine him staying put without his good friend.
But, there is another way to look at it. What if Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving stayed put? It's certainly possible and to be honest, it could be a worthy option.
Here are 3 reasons why they should stick it out with the Nets.
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3 reasons Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving should stick it out with the Nets
No roadblocks for Kyrie in 2022-23
The glaring issue for this Nets' Big 3, which is now just two after James Harden left for Philly, is the unavailability of Irving. It's the cold hard truth. He's played in 103 games across the last three seasons for Brooklyn. In 2021-22, he was only on the court in the second half of the campaign because of his refusal to get vaccinated. NYC finally dropped their vaccine mandate and Kyrie then played at home again.
We're past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sure, people are still getting sick, but there aren't any huge rules when it comes to getting the jab anymore in the NBA. This means Irving could actually play full-time for the Nets alongside KD. Forget their collapse in the playoffs against the Celtics, this duo is absolutely electric together and would be able to take Brooklyn to the heights they're capable of after going through a full 82-game schedule together, barring injuries of course.
KD and Kyrie can have chemistry
Durant is one of the purest scorers the game has ever seen. He can create his own shot, facilitate, rebound, and just frankly dominate. Irving, when available, is a top-10 and possibly even top-5 player in the league. Together, these two are scoring machines and they know how to play off each other. Yes, KD and Kyrie haven't been able to build the best chemistry possible yet because of their respective absences at different moments, but that could change in a hurry next season if they stay put.
We saw that become an issue in the postseason. The Celtics exposed the Nets and made life a living hell for the Brooklyn duo. Again, another year together where night in and night out they're on the floor together would surely pay dividends. Plus, it's already known Durant and Irving want to play on the same team elsewhere. That's simply just not going to happen, so why not stay with the Nets, put the drama behind them, and let their brilliance do the talking?
Nets roster is promising
Brooklyn's roster is rather decent right now. While they did lose Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic to free agency, we have to remember that Ben Simmons is coming back and the Nets just signed T.J. Warren, a very solid player who became a star in the Orlando Bubble. Plus, the likes of Seth Curry, Cam Thomas, and Joe Harris. It's impossible to know what to expect from Simmons. It'll be more than a year by the time he plays again, but if one thing is for certain, he will make this group better defensively. It's the one area he's very reliable. His playmaking should undoubtedly improve Brooklyn as well and open up more opportunities for Kyrie and KD.
Irving is one of the clear reasons Durant wants out. He won't admit it, but his drama across the last two seasons put a bad smell in the locker room and brought unwanted attention to the team. But, the front office remains determined to add other pieces around their two best players for now. There's a very good chance that Durant and Irving are in Brooklyn still by the time training camp rolls around. These things take time.
The chances of KD changing his mind and wanting to stay with the organization are low. But, the ball is truly in his court. He and Irving are capable of building something special together. If Kyrie can focus strictly on basketball, it can still be a viable partnership.
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