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Russell Westbrook’s Massive Exit from Lakers Might Trigger Kevin Durant’s Biggest decision in 4 years

Published 02/04/2023, 3:10 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Reports about NBA superstar Kyrie Irving wanting a trade have sent shock waves across the NBA world. Irving’s time with the Brooklyn Nets has been plagued with controversies. After a disappointing 2021-22 season, there were rumors about Irving leaving the Nets. However, that did not happen. Then Irving’s fourth year with the Nets did not start well because of his social media activities and comments afterward. The Nets fined him, and he had to follow their instructions.

Despite all this, Irving stayed with the Nets, and after a poor start to the season, the team was flying. With Kevin Durant and Irving at the forefront, the team was performing at a high level in the past few months. So it was a massive shock to fans when he allegedly requested a trade.

Kevin Durant will not be a happy camper

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After rumors about Kyrie Irving requesting a trade came out, there were reports of the Los Angeles Lakers being interested. Many believe Russell Westbrook and a future pick could be traded to the Brooklyn Nets in return for Irving and another player. This could be a considerable improvement for the Lakers as LeBron James will be reunited with his former teammate. On the other hand, Kevin Durant will be reunited with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Westbrook if this trade goes through.

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ESPN Insider Bobby Marks recently discussed the potential trade during an appearance on The Lowe Podcast with Zach Lowe. In one instance, the host and Marks discussed Durant’s future if the trade happens. Lowe recounted Durant’s shot at his teammates a few months back and suggested if Irving leaves, he will have to play without a superstar alongside him. Lowe said, “Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris or whatever for Russell Westbrook and a pick. That’s not helpful to me as Kevin Durant.”

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He talked about another possibility of Irving moving to the Dallas Mavericks for Christian Wood and Tim Hardaway and stated that it won’t be great for KD either. Also, he touched on Westbrook’s expiring contract and said it casts a huge doubt on his future with the Nets if he indeed joins.

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Does Durant have a future in Brooklyn?

Kevin Durant was rumored to leave the Brooklyn Nets at the beginning of the season. Furthermore, on multiple occasions, he was seen with former teammate James Harden, who had left the Nets the previous season.

WATCH THIS STORY – The last time Tom Brady was in the Hamptons, he tried to recruit Kevin Durant to the Boston Celtics

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This fueled the rumors that Durant also did not want to play with Kyrie Irving. However, KD stayed with the Nets and had a great season before he was sidelined with a knee injury. However, the reports of Irving wanting to leave might also trigger Durant to move.

Do you think Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will leave the Brooklyn Nets? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

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Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been playing the game of basketball for more than 20 years now and has also been following the NBA for more than 10 years. After not being able to go pro, this former college player decided to join the IT industry.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra