ESPN: Nets ‘Hopeful’ to Convince Kevin Durant Not to Request Trade If Kyrie Leaves

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Even if the Brooklyn Nets do lose Kyrie Irving this offseason, they will make an effort to keep Kevin Durant with the organization.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe explained the Nets’ plans Monday on Get Up (conversation begins 4:15):

“The Nets are optimistic still, hopeful at least, that if it comes to this with Kyrie they can go to Kevin and say, ‘We still got Ben Simmons, we’ll trade Kyrie for some good players, we can have cap space as soon as next summer, stick with us,” Lowe said (around the 6:20 mark). “That’s going to be their selling point anyway.”

Irving has until Wednesday to exercise his $36.9 million player option for next season, but there is reportedly an impasse between the guard and the Nets, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. It could lead to either a straight-up trade or a sign-and-trade if he declines his option.

Durant, meanwhile, is reportedly “considering options with his future” amid the Irving buzz, per Charania.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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