Back in 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant followed soon after, the two teamed up last season after Durant missed his first season with the team. And now fans were excited to see what these two players do this season.

However, Irving’s position with the team might not be as secure as one would think.

As the NBA 2021-22 regular season nears, the Nets are learning to play without Irving, who is currently not allowed to play with the team. The team has Durant and Harden leading the team, and the two are working hard to keep their championship dreams alive. The Nets will have to adjust and rethink their plan, the plan which had Irving at the core right alongside Harden and Durant.

However, recent reports hint at the Nets‘ reason behind acquiring James Harden is that he is a sort of insurance in case they could not rely on Kyrie Irving.

Why did the Nets sign James Harden?

“When the Nets made [the Harden] trade, they saw James Harden as a necessity,” said Adrian Wojnarowski in his recent podcast, “I think that they could already see that they may not be able to count on Kyrie Irving.” He added that the day Harden arrived in Brooklyn, Irving was expendable if he chose to be.

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Looking at the current situation, the Nets might not have been far off.

Whatever Irving might choose, the team is not assuming Irving will be backtracking on what he decided any time soon. This just means more games without the 29-year-old, which might or might not result in their favor.

Of course, a Kyrie Irving trade might not be easy to set up either.

Is a Ben Simmons-Kyrie Irving trade possible?

A Ben Simmons-Irving trade is also talked about. However, it may or may not work out. “They have not made that call to Brooklyn and I don’t that they ever will. You never know, things could change.” Wojnarowski said. While it is not on anyone’s priority right now, a small possibility still remains.

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That being said, the Nets have wrapped up all their preseason games and will prepare for their season opener. They will be facing the Milwaukee Bucks to kick start the 2021-22 season on October 19 EST.