The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly told any interested teams that they plan to keep Kyrie Irving this year - a decision that could indicate they will also reject any trade offers for Kevin Durant.
Durant, 33, is only 12 months into a four-year $198million (£163m) contract extension he signed last summer - meaning the Nets have no reason to trade the 12-time All Star player unless they receive an astronomical package in return. Earlier this month it was reported that Durant told billionaire Nets owner Joe Tsai that the organisation needed to choose between him or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash.
Despite several teams showing interest in Durant no trade deal has been agreed yet, with the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies all credited with an interest in putting together a package.
All-star guard Irving has opted into his $37m (£31m) player option for the upcoming year - meaning he is committed to the 2022-23 season in Brooklyn - despite reportedly demanding a trade earlier in the year. The Athletic claims the Nets have now told interested teams they will not be dealing Irving.
That news could come as a blow for the Los Angeles Lakers, who had shown interest in signing Irving to play alongside LeBron James. With NBA training camps set to open in a month's time, Durant now faces a difficult situation if the Nets want him to stay alongside Irving this season.
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The Nets have had a good off-season and are in no hurry to make a trade for Durant believing they can challenge for the championship. They have signed T.J. Warren, traded for Royce O'Neal and brought back Patty Mills and Nic Claxton.
They will also be boosted by the returns of Ben Simmons and Joe Harris who were out for the majority of last season.
