The Brooklyn Nets have championship aspirations this 2021-22, and despite some changes at the trade deadline, the mission doesn't change for Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and the rest of the team.

General manager Sean Marks emphasized as much in his recent talk with reporters, adding that they remain focused on the big prize despite falling all the way down to eighth in the standings after being the top seed early in the campaign.

“Championship. That’s it. I’d be doing 17 players and another 60 staff members over there a massive disservice if I said anything other than that, because that’s what we’re all here for,” Marks said, per Brian Lewis of New York Times.

Sean Marks is certainly putting a lot of pressure on his Nets, but for a good reason. They definitely have the talent to make it all the way to the Finals and actually win it all. While James Harden is gone and replaced by Ben Simmons, that doesn't make them any less of a threat.

Of course Kevin Durant's health remains a concern as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee. But when he returns from injury and get back to full health, the expectations are the Nets would be able to get back to playoff contention.

Despite the championship-or-bust take, though, Sean Marks' comments should only motivate the Nets to reach the ultimate goal. After all, it's an opportunity that not everyone can get in their careers.