Kevin Durant’s decision to play for the Nets was never directly tied to Kyrie Irving’s decision to do the same but “the opportunity to play with his close friend certainly appealed to him,” sources told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Via SI:
“Durant’s decision took longer. The Knicks were in play, though never to the all-but-done-deal extent that had been reported. So, too, were the Warriors, who could offer a five-year, $221 million contract—one year and $57 million more than Brooklyn could pay. What Durant wanted was simple. A good team. A strong, supportive environment. The Nets checked all the boxes. Durant’s decision was never directly tied to Irving’s, but the opportunity to play with his close friend certainly appealed to him.”
Durant tore his Achilles in Game 5 of the Warriors NBA Finals series against the Raptors, an injury that will cost him the 2019-20 season.
The two-time NBA champion should be ready to take the floor with Irving come the 2020-21 season after undergoing surgery to repair the tear, giving Brooklyn at least three seasons with both players on the roster.
KD wasn’t going to play there without Kyrie, so I’m calling BS on his decision not being 100% tied to Kyrie.
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