NBA Analyst Reveals the Real Reason Why the Brooklyn Nets Did Not Pursue a Potential Kyrie Irving-Ben Simmons Trade

Published 09/22/2021, 2:29 PM EDT

Ben Simmons has now confirmed what most experts were predicting, that he is not going to play another game in the 76ers uniform. Ever since the end of Philadelphia’s run in the playoffs last season, almost the entire NBA Community criticized Ben. Subsequently, several experts predicted that it was the end of Ben Simmons’ time with the 76ers. And now, among the several trade destinations that are being discussed, a trusted source claims Brooklyn Nets could have been one.

Had it not been for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving could be on his way out of the Brooklyn Nets. At least that is what ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith claims.

"Kyrie could have ended up in Philly" @stephenasmith on @FirstTake said that KD nixed a Kyrie for Ben Simmons trade 😳 pic.twitter.com/S3B3leIKLO
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) September 22, 2021

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Would Kyrie Irving leave the Nets if traded for Ben Simmons?

Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks recently claimed that he is “positive” about his contract extension conversations with James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Yet, Stephen A. Smith refutes the claim that he is responsible for retaining Kyrie in the roster.

On ESPN’s First Take, Smith was discussing possible trade scenarios for Ben Simmons with Perkins. When he said, “Here’s another thing that could have happened. Kyrie could’ve ended up in Philly. Sean Marks couldn’t do that cause KD wasn’t having it. KD like Kyrie ever ain’t going no damn place. Let me tell you something right now, Philadelphia might have said no. But I assure you, I assure you if it were not for Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets would be interested in making that deal.”

What does this mean for the Brooklyn Nets?

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While Kyrie Irving himself has quashed all the news around his potential trades, Smith says Durant was the key reason he stayed. This shows that Durant’s importance to the franchise is like LeBron James’ infamous ‘running the front office’ narrative. According to Smith, Durant’s opinions were as important as the General Manager’s, if not more.

In order to ensure the big three 3 assembled in Brooklyn remains intact, Durant allegedly disallowed the GM from discussing a trade for Ben Simmons. Does this mean the Nets are confident in their roster’s ability to make another run at the championship? Or is this the beginning of a rift? Possibly, but can’t say for sure.

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Written by:

Chaitanya Dadhwal is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Even though his journalism is driven by his desire to understand both sides of an argument and give a neutral perspective, he is biased towards Houston Rockets and Arsenal, and he has shown exactly how loyal he can be through tough times. Currently a Law student at Jindal Global Law School, he aims to have his own sports management firm one day and enjoys rap music during his time off.

NBA Analyst Reveals the Real Reason Why the Brooklyn Nets Did Not Pursue a Potential Kyrie Irving-Ben Simmons Trade

Would Kyrie Irving leave the Nets if traded for Ben Simmons?

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What does this mean for the Brooklyn Nets?