“Kevin Durant should give him a taste of his own medicine, and go about it his way” - Kendrick Perkins says Kevin Durant should leave the Brooklyn Nets regardless of Kyrie Irving’s decision
Kevin Durant is reportedly monitoring how things play out with Kyrie Irving's contract situation before deciding on his own future. But Kendrick Perkins believes Durant should leave the Brooklyn Nets regardless of what Irving decides to do.
The franchise is reportedly unwilling to give Irving a long-term contract, which has prompted the All-Star guard to consider other options.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, "Uncle Drew" has presented the Nets front office with a wishlist of teams he would like to play for. The list contained six teams, including the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.
Adrian Wojnarowski on ESPN: The only team with “actual interest” in Kyrie Irving is the Lakers. The Clippers, Mavs, and 76ers are out, and Miami is showing little interest. https://t.co/lvfpOE6Q62
On ESPN's "First Take," Perkins suggested that Durant should take matters into his own hands and give the All-Star guard a taste of his own medicine. Perkins said:
"I think he should want out, regardless. I think he should get far away from Kyrie Irving as possible. Even if he opts in, I think Kevin Durant should give him a taste of his own medicine, and go about his way. When it comes down to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant coming to Brooklyn when they did, what was it? July the 4th? When they made the decision in 2016?
"I believe it was, or 2017, one of those years. KD has been the most consistent, he's been the most committed, and he's been the best thing that has happened to this organization. When I look at this situation, if I'm KD, I want out regardless. If Kyrie stays, or he leaves."
Kyrie Irving is still interested in playing with Kevin Durant
Durant might join a new team before the start of the 2022-23 season, depending on how things unfold in Brooklyn. The two-time NBA champion is reconsidering his future with the Nets based on recent reports.
Despite the chaos in Brooklyn, Irving is still interested in playing with Durant. Unfortunately, he has failed to agree terms with the front office.
What is going on with Kyrie Shams?
"Sources tell me that he wants to stay with Kevin Durant & the Nets.. the talks with the Nets officials have led to a serious opening for him to hit the open market though" ~@ShamsCharania
#PMSLive https://t.co/Qi6UWsRk71
Irving has not been the most reliable player in recent years, which is why the Nets are hesitant to commit to a long-term deal. It was reported that they were willing to have him stay, but would use the upcoming season as a sort of audition.
By June 29, Irving's decision on whether he will opt into his player option will be revealed. If he opts out, he will become an unrestricted free agent, and Durant could follow him out the exit door as free agency commences on June 30.