If Nets Trade Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving Trade Seems Likely, Too

It’s tough to imagine the Nets trading Kevin Durant and hanging on to Kyrie Irving.

In fact, most around the league will tell you if Durant goes, Irving is a goner, too. NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line is among those who think that way.

“If Durant goes, I don’t see any way that the Nets just keep Kyrie ,” Stein told Keith Smith on the Stein Line Live podcast. “I think if they can find a Durant trade, they will aggressively ramp up their desire to move Kyrie elsewhere.”

The Nets remain active in Durant trade talks. He has been linked to the Suns, Heat and Wizards, and now, the Celtics, too.

As for Irving, well, that seems to be another matter. So far, it seems like only the Lakers really want him. Most everyone else appears to think he’s too risky — as Irving has a reputation as being unpredictable.

A major talent, yes. But reliable? That’s up for debate.

Durant, of course, isn’t exactly the epitome of stability. He bolted the Thunder in free agency for the Warriors back in 2016, then bolted the Warriors (after three straight trips to the Finals) for the Nets three years later.

Now, he wants to be somewhere else … again.

Brooklyn is doing everything it can to accommodate him, but you don’t just give away a talent such as Durant. But if the Nets are able to move him eventually, you can bet Irving will soon follow.