The Brooklyn Nets have two stars asking out right now, but Sean Marks and Co. likely will chart a path with one first before focusing on the other.
Both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are seeking trades out of Brooklyn, and the Nets seem amenable to moving one or both, provided that they get fair market value in return – especially for Durant. Moves for star players can be complicated transactions from a financial standpoint, let alone figuring out a fair return, so historically these types of deals have taken a while to materialize.
In sharing the latest on the Nets uncertainty, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst on his podcast said Durant probably is getting moved before Irving.
“In this case, there’s actually multiple teams showing interest (as opposed to the James Harden trade),” Windhorst said. "I expect it to take a while unless there’s some sort of event that happens outside that could rush it. Ultimately, I think it’s more likely than not that Durant is traded and then Kyrie follows.
“My belief is that Kyrie will go second because the Nets have to know what they’re getting back for Durant – Kyrie especially as it pertains to taking on salary or whatever. So, we’re just gonna sit here and have the Summer of KD, I’m sorry to say, is my guess.”
Who knows what’s going on quietly behind the scenes, but right now it doesn’t appear there’s much of a market for Irving. Because so much money could be flowing in a Durant deal, especially if/when other teams have to get involved, then the Nets logistically almost need to take care of Durant first.
Further, the Nets are said to be looking for actual players, not just picks, in the return for Durant. If they end up getting an up-and-coming point guard, for example, that could impact any potential Irving move since he wants to go to the Lakers and Brooklyn would probably have to take back Russell Westbrook in such a deal.
It’s a messy situation, but that also underscores why the Nets aren’t really forced to move either player.
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