The Brooklyn Nets are falling apart

In the 2019 offseason Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving stunned NBA fans by teaming up on the Brooklyn Nets. This team was supposed to be the next NBA dynasty, especially after adding James Harden in 2021. But since 2019, the Nets haven't been able to make it past the second round. Harden ended up playing only one season for Brooklyn before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and because of attitude and vaccination issues Irving has only played 103 total games since 2019. Out of these 103 games, only 44 had Irving and Durant playing together. Kyrie will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and if he leaves Kevin Durant is very likely to suggest a trade. The Nets have some very tough decisions to make this offseason, and if they make the wrong ones they will end up being one of the most disappointing teams ever.

Contract discussions between Irving and the Nets are currently at a stand still, after the administration announced their hesitation to re-sign him to a long term deal. On June 21st, Irving released a list of teams that he would be willing to go to if he doesn't return to Brooklyn. This list includes the Mavericks, Lakers, Knicks, 76ers, Clippers, and Heat. Judging by this list, it's obvious that his number one priority is championship contention. Out of these teams, the Lakers are the only ones to actually say they will pursue a trade. If a trade doesn't work out, he could end up still going to the Lakers on a discounted 6 millon dollar deal. Irving could also still come back to the Nets on a short term deal with an option, but it doesn't look like this will be the case. If he does leave, it will likely have a ripple effect on Kevin Durants future in Brooklyn.

Durant's main reason for joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 was the appeal of teaming up with Kyrie Irving. So now that Kyrie could be out, Durant could be out as well. Ever since the news came out that Irving may leave in free agency, Durant has been distancing himself from the Nets front office. He is frustrated that the administration didn't "grow to understand" Irving, but how do you understand a guy who refuses to play? Irving frequently misses games for personal reasons which he refuses to disclose, and in the 2021 and 2022 seasons he missed games because of his refusal to get the vaccine. Despite all this, Durant still chooses to take his friend's side. Which means if Irving leaves in free agency, Durant is very likely to request a trade. A trade for Durant would take a massive haul, and there are only a couple teams who are in a position to contend and have the assets to actually make the trade. Here are some Kevin Durant trades that could realistically happen this offseason:

1. Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Daniel Theis and 3 first round picks

In this trade the Nets would get back a star player in Jaylen Brown as well as some future draft capital. The Celtics were just in the NBA Finals and teaming up Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant could be just what they need to push them over the top.

2. Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons, Josh Hart, Nassir Little, and a first round pick

After the news dropped that Durant could request a trade, both Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic posted pictures of Durant in a Blazers jersey on social media. This trade would send the Nets into a rebuilding period with new young pieces, and pair Durant up with a player who desperately needs playoff success in Lillard.

3. Pheonix Suns: Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, and Cameron Johnson

Deandre Ayton will most likely be traded this offseason and if the Suns can get Durant back that's a dream scenario. They would have to give up their future to win now, which is a risk, but when you look at Chris Paul's age and Devin Booker's contract it's worth it. This would be a great trade for the Nets because Ayton and Mikal Bridges are players you could build a contender around in the future.

The Nets still could end up starting next season with both Irving and Durant on the roster, although it seems more unlikely every day. Earlier this week, the Nets front office stated that they would rather lose both stars than "go through what they went through last season." If the Nets lose their star duo, they will enter a rebuilding phase and only be left with one more question mark, Ben Simmons. Simmons hasn't played a game of basketball since the 2020-2021 playoffs, and we don't know if he's going to be mentally prepared anytime soon. The Nets need Ben Simmons to step up and keep on developing his game to make both James Harden trades even close to worth it.

The Nets roster will look very different at the beginning of next season. If they end up losing both Irving and Durant they need to start focusing on acquiring assets for the future. They should bring back their young free agents Bruce Brown and Nic Claxton. They should also try and trade away veteran Seth Curry for a young player and a first round pick. If they make these moves they'll enter 2023 with a young team looking to tank for a high pick in the draft. While losing two superstars may not look good, it could end up being the best thing for Brooklyn's future and they could be back in contention within 5-7 years.