Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Kristaps Porzingis, F Kyle Kuzma

Washington Wizards Receive: G Kyrie Irving, F Joe Harris

Surely, the Brooklyn Nets open themselves up to risks by making this deal.

Firstly, it’s been widely reported that Irving and Kevin Durant are a package deal. The Nets, rumors suggest, are apprehensive about offering Irving a long-term extension. Given his seemingly half-baked commitment to basketball, that’s understandable. Unfortunately for them, the same rumors suggest that if Irving goes, Durant follows.

Hopefully, constructing a competitive team around him would change his mind. This deal ought to do that. At the same time, Kristaps Porzingis’ health represents another risk. He’s been known to spend ample time on the injury report.

All of which speaks to the difficult place the Nets are in. In sticking with Irving, they commit to a player who doesn’t appear committed to them.

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With that said, that same lack of commitment depreciates his trade value. Furthermore, shedding him can’t be worth the loss of Kevin Durant.

Could the Brooklyn Nets really justify all that risk?