Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will likely stay in Brooklyn after going through a complicated month with the Nets franchise.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski announced recently that both of the superstars are expected to move forward with the Nets in the 2022-2023 campaign.
After a long stand-off regarding their demands, Irving ultimately decided to exercise his $36.5 million player option for next season to remain in the club. Murmurs were swirling that if he didn’t opt in last Wednesday, he’ll likely settle with the Los Angeles Lakers’ mid-level exception salary which only worths $6 million.
As such, Irving’s decision has a huge impact on Durant wanting to stick around Brooklyn, as he could have requested to be traded and be under contract for three more seasons after inking a four-year, $198 million extension last year with the Nets brass.
The upcoming year may seem to be a fresh one for the club, assuming that the embattled Ben Simmons will finally play after sitting out for the whole 2021-2022 season. Sharpshooter Joe Harris might also be slated to perform again after having a season-ending ankle surgery way back in March.
On paper, the Nets appear to be a formidable team, with Irving-Durant duo offensive wonders meshing up with Simmons versatility and play-making abilities.
After making huge disappointment last season and being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first-round postseason, the Nets undeniably have a solid chance this approaching 2023 to contend again with their roster now being well rested.
