Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were supposed to be a package deal for the Brooklyn Nets. The two joined the team the same offseason, and were expected to bring a title to Brooklyn.
That goal is still in reach this season, only Irving won’t be a part of it. The Nets will not allow Irving to play with the club until receives the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving has shown no indication he’s willing to do that.
Given that they joined the team together with one goal in mind, you might expect Durant to be mad about Irving’s absence. You would be wrong.
Durant revealed his thoughts on the situation Thursday, saying being mad isn’t going to fix the situation. He also expressed pessimism that the team would be able to convince Irving to get vaccinated.
“What is being mad going to do,” Durant asked. “We are not going to change his mind, know what I’m saying?”
Irving stands to lose a lot of money by not playing this season. Irving was set to make $34.9 million this season. The Nets reportedly won’t offer Irving a $186 million extension due to uncertainty over his future.
Can the Nets still win a championship without Kyrie Irving?
Even without Irving, the Nets should be in good shape. The team still has Durant and James Harden, two of the best players in the NBA. Having Irving around would help, but Durant and Harden alone could lead the team to a title.
The team came close last season despite injuries to their star players. The Nets played just 13 games last season in which Durant, Harden and Irving were healthy. Things got worse in the playoffs, when both Harden and Irving got injured. Durant nearly led the team to a win over the Milwaukee Bucks singlehandedly, but came up short in Game 7.
As long as Durant and Harden stay healthy, the Nets will be fine. If Irving decides he wants to be a part of that, he knows what’s required.
