NBA trade rumors: Kevin Durant ‘considering options’ as Kyrie Irving contract negotiations with Brooklyn Nets stall

The drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets continues to spiral.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving came to the Nets as a package. They might be leaving the Nets as one, too.

A report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that superstar Kevin Durant is “monitoring the Brooklyn Nets’ situation and considering options with his future.” Charania also added the news “opens the path for Kyrie Irving to proceed on finding a new home via opt-in and trade.”

Shortly after Charania’s report, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Irving has a list of teams he’d like the Nets to consider on sign-and-trade deals. Those teams include the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavericks, and 76ers. None of those teams have enough cap space to sign Irving without the help of Brooklyn, Wojnarowski noted.

Wojnarowski reported this week that some teams around the league are rooting for Irving to opt out and leave the Nets so that they can put together trade packages for Durant. Irving has until June 29 to decide if he wants to exercise his $36.5 million player option for the 2022-23 season. If he declines and becomes a free agent, he would take significantly less money elsewhere as a free agent.

Irving prefers to sign a long-term contract with the Nets, but it’s not clear if the Nets are willing to give it to him. Brooklyn may be hesitant because of Irving’s limited availability during his three years with the Nets. Irving has appeared in only 103 regular-season games due to injuries, personal absences, and refusing to adhere to New York City’s vaccine mandates.

That uncertainty has also impacted the Nets’ other star, Durant.

Durant is beginning a four-year extension with the Nets, but Charania’s report reflects that he’s tied to the team for as long as Irving is.

Until Irving has decided on if he wants to stay in Brooklyn or go elsewhere, his future remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.

– Aron Yohannes

ayohannes@oregonian.com; @aronyohannes

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.