The Brooklyn Nets had one of the most disappointing ends to the 2021 NBA season of any team, getting swept by the Boston Celtics in their first-round matchup despite many thinking they could be a contender for a championship run.
It was a shocking result for a team like the Nets with as much star power as they have. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on any team should almost certainly be good enough to get a few wins against the Celtics, but they were clearly overmatched throughout the series.
This outcome could have a huge impact on the future of the Nets moving forward.
Irving has a player option this upcoming offseason and his decision could loom large on whether or not the Nets will be contenders moving forward. Nets general manager Sean Marks has been non-committal to this point when asked about Irving’s future on the team, with reports that Irving’s vaccination status may have Brooklyn concerned about bringing him back next year.
The somewhat strained relationship between Irving and Brooklyn also seems to be affecting Kevin Durant, as reports have emerged that he has not spoken with the Nets front office since the playoff loss to the Celtics.
This news has many Nets fans worried about what could be the start of their franchise’s demise if Irving and the organization can’t get on the same page.
It’s his career, but KD’s decision to hitch his wagon to Kyrie has to be one of the more curious decisions I’ve seen by a superstar (after his stints at Cavs/Celtics). But we move. https://t.co/ZCsG05ELgx
— Sandra Ishimwe (@i_ishimwe) May 25, 2022
So @Krisplashed broke NBA Twitter today…nice
— Josh Rodriguez (@Josh_Rodriguez_) May 25, 2022
Maybe Kevin Durant will finally fulfill his destiny on the Trail Blazers…
— Dia (@diandraann) May 25, 2022
This was an incredibly interesting piece and I suggest Nets fans look the other way for their own protection.
It’s about to get interesting in Brooklyn. https://t.co/ysHaaeEM1Y
— Zach Ciavolella (Cha-vo-lel-la) (@ZachCiavoNBA) May 25, 2022
If the Nets are outright unwilling to give Kyrie an extension…I can't blame them.
Problem is…it might cost you KD… https://t.co/kAQVWEiAEv
— 'Nata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) May 25, 2022
When Irving has been on the court, he has been great for the Nets. However, missing a large majority of the season due to his COVID vaccination status certainly played a role in the team finishing as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
That is a big issue for Brooklyn and it doesn’t seem like Irving is budging anytime soon on his stance. Now fans have to consider that losing Kyrie Irving may also result in losing Kevin Durant.
