The focus for the Brooklyn Nets this NBA offseason has been on everything but the basketball court. They are in the midst of handling Kevin Durant’s trade request, which certainly took some people by surprise.
That followed a standoff with Kyrie Irving, as he canvassed the league for what kind of market he would have if he declined his player option. When a bleak outlook arose, Irving opted in for the 2022-23 season.
Since then, things have been surprisingly quiet on the Irving front. He is normally the lightning rod but Durant has taken that mantle this offseason as he is the one creating a ton of headlines with how he is carrying himself.
The only news that has involved Irving is some trade rumors with the Los Angeles Lakers. They are the only team that has shown any real interest in acquiring him this offseason, but the Nets have thus far not been interested in any of the offers that have been proposed. Los Angeles reportedly even offered two first-round picks for Irving, but Brooklyn was uninterested.
Right now, Irving is committed to the Nets and the 2022-23 season. There were reports a few weeks ago that he was content with playing in Brooklyn regardless of how things shake out with Durant.
That is the same sentiment that was shared by Brian Windhorst on ESPN’s Get Up. He believes Irving is bought in and invested with the franchise.
“I think Kyrie Irving is invested in being a Brooklyn Net next year. Obviously there was some turmoil with his contract extension not happening. He realizes his best path moving forward to get the contract he wants in Brooklyn or elsewhere is to have a very good season.”
That is certainly an encouraging development for the Nets. For all of his eccentricities and sometimes difficult personality that Irving has, he is certainly a difference maker on the basketball court.
Having him in the mix makes them a better team. Hopefully, he can be available more than he has the first three seasons of his tenure in Brooklyn. But, having him committed and invested, as it sounds like he is, is certainly a good start.
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For the latest surrounding Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets, check out our NBA news and trade rumors feed.
