05 February 2023 , 21:29
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The Brooklyn Nets might not be done making moves after trading Kyrie Irving away, with interest already coming in for Kevin Durant.
The Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks, as well as a first-round draft pick and two second-round picks for Irving, in a move that certainly significantly weakens their roster this season and will see them likely drop out of the championship picture.
This could lead to the franchise considering the future of Durant, with the team now likely years away from contending to win a championship and could greatly aid their future by moving on from the 34-year-old, with one team already declaring their interest.
TNT and Bleacher Report reporter Chris Haynes has stated that the Phoenix Suns will pursue Durant once again if he becomes available. The Suns showed interest in Durant earlier this summer, when he asked to be moved and admitted he was concerned with the future of the franchise when reports emerged that Irving could be moved.
Trades for MVP candidates are almost unheard of in the NBA, but it might be the best option for the direction of the franchise, with Durant's value never likely to be higher, as he approaches his mid-30's.
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As well as the Suns, the Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans could be landing spots for Durant, who has previously mentioned the first two as franchises he would happily play for.
But the Pelicans would be a move that makes much sense for all three parties - having a young team on the rise, whilst having more than enough assets in the way of draft picks to make a deal happen.
Kevin Durant might not be pleased to remain in Brooklyn without Irving (Getty Images)As for trading Irving, the point guard had played at an elite level this season, but asked to be traded after being unhappy with the contract offer he received from the team.
The Mavericks, although taking a risk with Irving set to become a free agent after this season, will see their championship hopes take a huge leap with Irving playing alongside superstar Luka Doncic - adding two elite and diverse scorers on the court together.
And while Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith are solid players, they will not be able to bring what the Nets lost in Irving, potentially signalling the end of what looked to be an exciting era for the Brooklyn franchise which was put together in the summer of 2021. After now trading away Irving and James Harden from that team, one superstar remains in Durant.
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, an NBA insider, has suggested that the Nets may look to explore more deals before Thursday's trade deadline. He tweeted: "Major risk for the Mavericks’ future but Kyrie obviously raises their ceiling now. And I doubt the Nets are done trying to make deals this week."