Kyrie Irving Rumors: Nets Are Top Choice, Knicks Have Shot If Kevin Durant Doesn't Join Brooklyn

Kevin Durant’s future remains very uncertain after suffering a ruptured Achilles. No one seems to know if Kawhi Leonard will return to the Toronto Raptors or head to Los Angeles.

Kyrie Irving’s free agency plans, however, appear to be crystal clear. According to countless reports, the points guard wants to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said two weeks ago that Irving had given the Nets every indication that he was going to sign with them this summer. The Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett reported a week later that Irving was preparing to join Brooklyn, and just every NBA insider seems to be echoing that sentiment.

The Boston Celtics appear resigned to the fact that the All-Star will leave them for one of their divisional rivals.

In February, Irving backtracked from his previous comments that indicated he was ready to commit to the Celtics beyond the 2018-2019 season. The New York Knicks were then viewed as the most likely destination for the 27-year-old.

New York has been the favorite to sign Durant. They cleared enough cap space before the trade deadline in order to open up a second max salary slot. The Knicks have been eyeing a Durant-Irving pairing as their dream scenario in free agency.

Brooklyn has since created enough cap space to potentially sign two free agents to max contracts. Irving is reportedly trying to convince Durant to join him with the Nets instead of the Knicks.

Durant might still have his eye on the Knicks, whom he’s been linked to for nearly a year. There’s still a chance that he will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors.

Irving appears to have his mind set on joining the Nets. Will Brooklyn feel the same way if Durant doesn’t agree to go with him?

That could be the one scenario that keeps Irving off the Nets.

“If they don't get a second star, it will be interesting to see if Brooklyn wants Kyrie Irving as a solo act,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on “Get Up” Wednesday morning.

Wojnarowski noted that the Nets might decide to re-sign the cheaper and younger D’Angelo Russell over Irving if they can’t sign another star. The Athletic’s Shams Charania told CBS Tuesday that he wouldn’t rule out the Knicks as a destination for Irving.

Boston was arguably the NBA’s most disappointing team last season when Irving was their best player. Brooklyn might be wary of making Irving their top player for years to come.

The Nets are also expected to pursue Leonard and Tobias Harris in free agency.