By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Brooklyn Nets through team owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks have engaged in talks with Kevin Durant about the direction of the franchise.
Following the trade sending Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, the Nets intend to keep Durant and upgrade the roster, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski on ESPN.
Durant, 34, wondering whether the franchise can move forward as a championship contender met with Tsai and Marks. The Nets are insisting on actively looking into strengthening the squad rather than switching to a rebuild. Potential suitors, including the Phoenix Suns and new majority owner Mat Ishbia, have also been informed of the plan to keep Durant in Brooklyn.
The two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018 has three years left on his contract stretching through the 2025-26 season.
Packing a 32-22 record, the Nets sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, relatively comfortable in the seeds leading to a direct berth in the 2023 Playoffs. Adding help for Durant is presumably required to avoid a drop lower in the table over the next few months and certainly to boost hopes for success in the postseason.
Kevin Durant to miss All-Star Game
The 13-time All-Star is dealing with an MCL sprain in his right knee and is expected to remain on the injury list through the All-Star break. Apart from missing the 2023 All-Star Game, his teammates are tasked with keeping the Nets on pace for the Playoffs. Head coach Jacque Vaughn confirmed the lack of a timetable for his return.
Over 39 appearances in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season, Durant produced 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 0.8 steals per contest. The Texas product, selected second overall in the 2007 draft, is up to 1,113 games played in the NBA between the Regular Season and the Playoffs, including 145 with the Nets.
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