Nets' Kevin Durant has 'no involvement' in Kyrie Irving's contract decision: 'This is much bigger than me'

26.06.2022, 04:24 sportingnews.com

Just a couple of months after Kyrie Irving said that there was "no way" he could leave Kevin Durant and the Nets, it appears that the star guard is considering leaving Brooklyn. It has been reported that Irving is at an "impasse" with the Nets ahead of NBA free agency. The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that talks between the sides have grown "stagnant" as they try to negotiate a long-term contract. Irving has a $36.9 million player option for the 2022-23 season and must decide by June 29 whether to exercise it. If he opts out, he has a list of six teams aside from the Nets that he would consider joining. MORE: Latest Kyrie Irving rumors ahead of NBA free agency Irving's potential departure would have a big impact on Durant, who is under contract with the Nets through 2025-26 season. Will Durant look to convince Irving to stay in Brooklyn? He said on the ETC podcast that he isn't looking to influence Irving. "There's no involvement at all," Durant said of having a possible role in Irving's decision. "I mean, I can't be involved with, this is this man's livelihood, you know? This is much bigger than me. Being a free agent is one of the most important times in your career. That can't be swayed by anybody else. I just do me and wait for the time. MORE: Ranking the six teams on Kyrie Irving's wish list "There's nothing that can happen right now. I don't think he can even make a decision on opting out until the 29th, I think. So I just kind of let things play out and see what happens. Keep the regular contact with Ky and we'll see what happens. "It's something that's so much out of my control that I don't want to be a part of it. We'll see what happens, though." Durant may not be trying to influence Irving's decision, but he is reportedly "considering options with his future" amid the uncertainty about Irving. If Irving decides to leave, Durant could demand a trade, but his four-year, $194.22 million contract would be a complication.