As the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans prepare for the NBA draft, a stunning development has come forward. For some time now, reports have surfaced alleging that contract negotiations between the Brooklyn Nets and star point guard Kyrie Irving had hit a snag. Now, reports have tied the seven-time All-Star to Philadelphia. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers are on the list of teams Kyrie Irving would consider if he cannot agree on a new contract with Brooklyn.
Along with Philadelphia, Irving would consider the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, and the Dallas Mavericks. That’s quite the list and most teams that appear can offer the Brooklyn Nets more than Philadelphia (assuming Tyrese Maxey is still off the table). In order for Irving to come to the 76ers, the offers for Irving would have to been slim to none, Brooklyn would have to be willing to send a second superstar to Philly within the same calendar year, and most importantly, Philadelphia would have to be interested in the controversial star.
While obtaining a player as talented as Irving is a priority for the 76ers, Irving may not exactly top that list. In part due to the lack of availability he’s displayed over the past three seasons, and also due to his perceived relationship with James Harden. It’s quite the surprise frankly that Philadelphia even appeared on Irving’s list but that’s the situation at hand.
Potentially even more interesting is how this relates to Kevin Durant’s relationship with the Brooklyn Nets organization. According to the Athletic’s Shams Charania, Durant is paying very close attention to this situation and there’s potential that the outcome could affect his future in with the Nets.
As intriguing as Kyrie Irving may be to some Kevin Durant should be even more so. He is not only a more established player, but he comes with far fewer red flags. It is important to pump the breaks as it is certainly far too premature to suggest any connection between Durant and Philadelphia but there is no doubt that Daryl Morey smells blood in the water. This offseason is only getting more interesting by the minute.
