The Brooklyn Nets are one of the favorites to win the NBA Championship this season as we head into the start of training camp. They have a roster more than capable of contending for a title, but things certainly didn’t look that way at points during the offseason.
There were some contentious times in Brooklyn over the summer as their All-Star duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant looked like they would be playing elsewhere. Irving was the first one to test the market and search for a new place to play.
He had a player option for the 2022-23 season but was seeking a long-term contract. That was something that the Nets were unwilling to give him as they cannot trust that he would be available throughout the season. Irving’s three seasons with the Nets have been marred by his inability to remain on the court.
So, he sought one from around the league but was met with a cold market. He would opt into his contract with the Nets, realizing that was the best option for him. Many assumed that would guarantee that he and Durant would be teammates for at least one more season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Alas, for a few weeks, that did not look like the case. Days after Irving opted in, Durant made a trade request to the Nets. The duo, who had been in lockstep since teaming up in 2019, seemingly wasn’t on the same page.
During the Nets’ Media Day, Irving talked about the trade request. It was an awkward situation according to Irving, but at the end of the day, he wanted Durant to do what was best for himself.
For now, everyone is back on the same page as the players and franchise are focused on one thing and that is basketball. That is how Irving and Durant like it as both are basketball junkies that just like to play the game.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant & Brooklyn Nets Updates
While the drama is quiet, for now, that could change very quickly. As long as Irving and Durant are on the roster, they will be a contending team with a strong supporting cast around them. Alas, if the team gets off to a slow start, there could be some major changes on the horizon.