LAS VEGAS — Kyrie Irving confirmed up in Summer League. Just not for his group.
After his failed contract extension negotiations and commerce request, Irving popped up in baseline seats Saturday evening to devour two video games. There was a sensible motive for his go to as nicely. The VP of the NBPA had a union assembly on the town.
But when the Nets performed the Sixers on Sunday afternoon, Irving was absent whereas Ben Simmons, Royce O’Neale, Steve Nash and Sean Marks watched courtside. It was yet one more signal of the discord between Irving and his group that, at this level, appears irreparable.
Irving turned down an interview request by saying, “You have to go through the proper channels.” The Nets, in the meantime, launched a promotion for season tickets with out Irving within the photograph, as an alternative that includes Durant, Joe Harris, Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons.
Although many interpreted it as an indication of the long run, there was one other affordable rationalization: the Nets rotate gamers for season ticket promotions and it’s doable Irving was left off coincidentally.
Irving is angling to the Lakers and a reunion with LeBron James, which might work with Russell Westbrook to match salaries. The challenge is Westbrook, at 33 years previous with out consciousness of his limitations, is undesirable apart from being an expiring $47 million contract. In different phrases, the Lakers would wish to connect draft picks and maybe recruit a 3rd group within the commerce. Irving’s worth has plummeted however he’s a smaller expiring contract ($37 million) with the next upside.
The Nets, in accordance with reviews, are holding off on dealing Irving till there’s a decision on Kevin Durant’s commerce request. It’s the neatest timeline since Durant’s state of affairs, whether or not he’s traded or not, will decide the group’s route and requirements.
That might take some time.
Kevin Durant went darkish after the season, because the Daily News’ Kristian Winfield reported, however a supply stated the long run Hall of Famer and his agent Rich Kleiman have been in touch with the group extra not too long ago.
As far as preparation and timing, the Nets have leverage. A supply stated the group was conscious of Durant’s unhappiness however stunned by his commerce request. The assumption is Irving’s contract drama performed a serious function in Durant’s discontent, however the Nets haven’t been instructed particular causes, a supply stated. Another chance for Durant’s disapproval: the group launched assistant coach Adam Harrington, a favourite of Durant’s going again to their time collectively in OKC.
Durant is beneath contract for 4 extra years, offering the Nets choices to maintain him on the roster if the affords aren’t appropriate. The 33-year-old has been identified to alter his thoughts and all the time performs when wholesome, casting doubt on the specter of Durant holding out if he’s not traded.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com