2. Nets: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving
Let’s be clear, the Brooklyn Nets have been the biggest mess in the NBA this offseason. The franchise failed to agree to a new contract with Kyrie Irving and then Kevin Durant requested a trade. Yet neither player has been traded this offseason.
However, the Nets did make several good moves. They’ve signed free agents Nic Claxton, Patty Mills, and T.J. Warren. If the Nets decide to hold onto their disgruntled stars heading into the season, they still have a big three with Ben Simmons and a decent chance to contender.
I’ll be honest, Irving the person has me concerned, but Irving the player is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He has one of the best handles in NBA history and has one of the smoothest shots in the league as well.
When healthy, Durant is a top-3 player in the league. He’s a top-20 player in NBA history as well and arguably the most lethal scorer in league history. Obvious if one or both players get traded, then this ranking and duo will be changed. However, until that changes, Durant and Irving are the second-best duo in the league.