According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, Kyrie Irving has told the Brooklyn Nets he wants to sign with them this summer in free agency and not with the New York Knicks.

Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent once he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Boston Celtics. Uncle Drew grew up in New Jersey. The Nets have cap space to sign not one, but two max contract players this summer.

If the Nets can't get Kevin Durant alongside Irving, they can pursue Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, two players who have been rumored to be interested in signing with Brooklyn. Butler and Irving have a very close relationship off the court.

Nets starting point guard D'Angelo Russell becomes a restricted free agent this summer. The lefty can sign an offer sheet with another team if he chooses to, and then Brooklyn would have 48 hours to match the deal or let Russell walk.

Irving and Russell played for the same high school coach, Kevin Boyle. Boyle said a few weeks ago Irving and Russell would “1,000 percent” work together in Brooklyn.

The Nets have a way brighter future than the Knicks. They made the playoffs this season and have a great coach in Kenny Atkinson.

Kyrie Irving, should he leave the Celtics, would be wise to sign with the Nets over the Knicks.