NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets' Pitch To Kevin Durant Could Include Free Agent Center, Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant — Kyrie Irving (L) and USA's guard Kevin Durant look on from the substitutes' bench during a Men's round Group A basketball match between China and USA at the Carioca Arena 1 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Aug. 6, 2016. ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images

The idea that Kevin Durant might sign with the Brooklyn Nets has picked up a lot of steam in recent days. Kyrie Irving is reportedly set on joining his hometown team, and the franchise is being viewed by some as the frontrunners to land the Golden State Warriors’ star.

It’s been well-documented that Durant and Irving have had designs of teaming up.

The New York Times’ Marc Stein said last month that the two free agents might be a package deal. The Athletic’s Frank Isola reported that before Durant ruptured his Achilles, the All-Stars planned a vacation together to “map out their respective futures.” According to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher, Durant and Irving met twice in recent weeks to discuss the possibility of playing together.

Even if Irving has led the Nets to believe he’s going to be their point guard for years to come, that doesn’t necessarily mean Durant will follow. Brooklyn is prepared to make other moves that might lure Durant to the Barclays Center.

The Knicks, of course, hung onto DeAndre Jordan after acquiring him from Dallas in the Porzingis blockbuster in February and have shown interest in re-signing Jordan depending on how the roster shakes out -- interest that naturally rises if Durant chooses Madison Square Garden
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2019

Beyond Durant factor, Nets need a big body to bang with the likes of Joel Embiid. They were crushed by Philly's physicality in the playoffs. Sean Marks today: "I think adding size is certainly something we’ll look at as the summer transpires, but you never know what happens."
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) June 24, 2019

According to Stein, that could include signing DeAndre Jordan. The center is a free agent and also Durant’s close friend.

The New York Knicks acquired Jordan before February’s trade deadline. The deal, which sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, was done in order to create two max salary slots, but the idea that it might help New York keep Jordan for next season was considered an added bonus.

Jordan averaged 11.0 points and 13.1 rebounds per game last season. The veteran has averaged more than 10 points and 13 rebounds in six straight seasons.

Both the Knicks and Nets have designs of pairing Durant and Irving together, even with Durant’s injury that will likely force him to miss all of next season.

Brooklyn has made a few trades in June to create a second max salary slot. If they sign Irving and can’t land Durant, the Nets are expected to make a push to sign Tobias Harris.

With free agency set to officially begin in less than a week, the Kevin Durant Sweepstakes might come down to the Nets, Knicks and Warriors.

Basketball