“If you opt-out, we’re not offering you a long-term max contract” Jeff Van Gundy suggests Brooklyn Nets take stern action against Kyrie Irving

“If you opt-out, we’re not offering you a long-term max contract” Jeff Van Gundy suggests Brooklyn Nets take stern action against Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving Kevin Durant or Ben Simmons and Kevin Durant

Nets guard Kyrie Irving is eligible for a player option this offseason and can get his max extension with the team. But Jeff Van Gundy thinks otherwise, especially after the team’s failed run in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. 

Star players’ situation at Brooklyn Nets is very difficult right now, especially after the humiliating 1st round sweep. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are targeted for many reasons – commitment, failure to deliver, and many more. But it is up to the Brooklyn Nets team to decide on the future. They will look deeply into the future of the organization and players to build around. As performer NBA coach and now NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, the Nets should take strong action against Kyrie Irving, and also explained the unique situation at Brooks.

As per Van Gundy, the Nets should not offer Kyrie any long-term max contract if he chooses player options and resigns with them. Rather Nets could add some good support cast around Kevin Durant and newly traded-in Ben Simmons.

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Kyrie Irving – a surplus load on Brooklyn Nets?

Kyrie Irving with Nets
Kyrie Irving with Nets

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joined Brooklyn Nets with so many hopes and promises. The duo is capable of carrying any team, even solo, on their day. But 3-seasons with the Nets were not what they expected. Not only did they fail to deliver any title, but they also crashed out of all 3-postseasons in a very disappointing manner. The latest exit was more of a shocker, as a fully loaded and healthy team couldn’t even put up a fight against the young Celtics side.

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Kevin Durant played the whole season to give Nets a chance at the post-season, while Kyrie was available only on road games and played in just 29 outings. Nets recorded a poor 14-15 record when Kyrie takes the court. Even when Kyrie and KD play together, instead of expected dominance, the team had a very subpar performance and had an 11-6 record.

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Now with Kyrie eligible for player option this offseason, he might seek a max contract, which could cost around $40 million per season salary to the Nets. Considering his performance with the team and him playing just 29 games in the regular season don’t support his case though. Instead, there could be 2 very potent stars signed to support Durant and possibly Ben Simmons.

With many guards like Jalen Brunson of the Dallas Mavericks, and Anfernee Simmons of the Portland Trail Blazers hitting the free agency, it could be a smart choice for the Nets to make a balanced decision after checking on other feasible options.

Do you agree with former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy?

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