Welcome to Brooklyn!
The NBA offseason has begun. June 30, kicked off NBA free-agency around the league and as a result, things already look very, very different. Going in, there was a lot to keep an eye on. Many teams made huge moves to improve their chances for the 2019-20 season, but perhaps no story is bigger than the one that involves Kevin Durant. All season long there were rumblings about KD’s commitment to the Warriors beyond this season. Speculation was rampant that Durant would depart the bay area despite winning back-to-back championships with Golden State. Indeed, Durant has left Southern California and will begin the next chapter of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, who signed him to a four-year deal worth $164 million.
Joining forces with Kyrie Irving and Deandre Jordan
Durant wont’ be coming to Brooklyn alone, however. Kyrie Irving who spent the last two seasons with the Boston Celtics, will join Durant as will DeAndre Jordan. Irving who will receive $141 million and Jordan who will receive $40 million, also signed four-year deals giving the Nets a chance to not only form their version of a super-team, but possibly contend for a championship. Unfortunately, those who want to see how well Durant, Irving and Jordan play with each other will have to wait. Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 NBA season after rupturing his right Achilles.
With such a devastating injury on his plate many have asked the question; can Durant be the caliber of player he once was? No one really knows for sure and it makes you wonder why the Nets would offer him such a lucrative contract. Risk is sometimes worth the reward. I suspect for Brooklyn with three such elite talents on their roster they believe they have a chance to come out of the East.
Irving comes home
While Durant becoming a member of the nets was quite shocking Irving’s decision was expected. His time with the Celtics was rather tumultuous. Irving’s time with Boston gave him a fresh start. For someone who spent a considerable amount of time in Lebron James’ shadow, the Celtics seemed a perfect fit. In Irving’s first year he guided Boston deep into playoffs, but this past year didn’t garner the same success. Kyrie became fed up with Boston’s young players and its front office. Of course, there’s another reason Irving joining the Nets isn’t much of a surprise and it’s due to the fact he grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. As a former New Jersey native Irving’s homecoming fulfills a dream he’s had to play for the Nets since he was in the fourth grade.
How exciting was the prospect of playing for Brooklyn to Irving? In a video he posted on Instagram where he made his announcement, Irving couldn’t keep his enthusiasm contained. “In my heart, I always knew I wanted to play at home,” he says in the video. Irving continued, “I wouldn’t change anything about this journey,” he added. “It’s brought me back here and that’s home, and home is where my family is, home is where I want my legacy to continue. And I’m happy to be in Brooklyn.”
Durant’s legacy and how he felt ‘disrespected’ by the Warriors
Legacy is an interesting choice of words. For Irving the continuation of his legacy is a little simpler than that of Durant’s. Durant’s tenure in Golden State while fruitful was never satisfying to him. In other words, despite winning two NBA titles, being named a two-time Finals MVP during those two championships and doing all of it against Lebron James, Durant was never truly fulfilled. Now, you might wonder how could you not be fulfilled having won two championships and two NBA finals MVP’s? Well, there is word going around that Durant didn’t get along with Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr. Not to mention Durant’s injury no doubt factored into his decision as it was team medical staff that cleared him to play when he was less than 100%.
When you consider all of those things it’s no wonder that Durant wanted out. Plus, the Warriors were never going to be Durant’s team. Steph Curry Durant’s former teammate, is the engine that makes Golden State go and that was never, ever going to change no matter what KD did to help them win. Playing for the Nets Durant may believe that he essentially will have a team of his own. Will the Nets really be his team though? Remember, he’ll be playing alongside one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA. He may not be the first option. Odds are, Irving will be the first option on offense, Durant will be the second option and Jordan will be third.
What’s next for Golden State
Durant choosing to leave the Bay was no doubt a serious blow to a franchise that had won three of the last four NBA championships. No one is shedding any tears over the Warriors dynasty coming to end. Golden State has dominated the league and some people are probably tired of it. With Durant’s departure things will change. It’s not all bad news, however. The Warriors did retain guard Klay Thompson on a five-year deal, they still have Curry and Draymond Green. Having those pieces making the playoffs is still a possibility, a very real one. Competing for another title? That may be far less likely and only time will tell.