The Brooklyn Nets are going to be busy in free agency in 2022, but we have no idea what will happen next. Kyrie Irving opted into his $37 million player option, but the whole thing is imploding in Brooklyn anyway. Kevin Durant is requesting a trade and the future is uncertain.
Kevin Durant requests a trade.
Three years ago, the Nets made a “clean sweep” in free agency by signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Now, both players appear to be halfway out the door with one playoff series to show for it. Organizational catastrophe is an understatement.
Kyrie Irving opts in.
When push came to shove, Kyrie Irving blinked, but it likely won’t matter. If Brooklyn is trading Durant, Irving is likely next.
Patty Mills opts out, re-signs anyway.
Patty Mills opted out of his deal, but he’s re-upping with Brooklyn for two years and $14.5 million. If nothing else, this gives Brooklyn a solid veteran to build around whoever they receive in trades for Durant and Irving.
Free agent G Patty Mills has agreed to return to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, $14.5M deal, his agent Steven Heumann of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
Patty Mills did not pick up his $6.2 million player option with the #Nets, according to sources close to the player. He is a free agent.
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) June 29, 2022
RFA Nic Claxton signs a two-year deal.
Even with all the fallout surrounding Durant and Irving, there are positives for the Nets. Sure, Nic Claxton isn’t a franchise changer, but he’s a promising, versatile big man who deserves to stick around. He’s back for two years and $20 million.
Restricted free agent C Nic Claxton has agreed on a two-year, $20 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
TJ Warren inks a one-year deal.
The Nets are buying low on TJ Warren, who has missed all but four games with injuries over the last two seasons. The last time we saw a fully-healthy Warren was in the NBA Bubble, where he was named to the NBA’s first-team All-Bubble.
Free agent G TJ Warren has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2022
Nets sign Edmond Sumner.
Brooklyn is buying low on another injury-prone Pacer. Edmond Sumner is coming in on what is likely a low-risk contract.
Free agent Edmond Sumner has agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2022
Kessler Edwards comes back on a multi-year deal.
Kessler Edwards was a bright spot for the Nets amid last season’s ups and downs. The Pepperdine product was a second-round draft pick playing on a two-way contract but proved himself in his limited minutes. He fits the archetype of a reliable 3-and-D player.
Welcome back, @KesslerEdwards!
? https://t.co/JSSYkUCSaP pic.twitter.com/UdHtSdETOi
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) July 6, 2022
More to come on these Nets free agency updates. Check out ESNY’s Knicks free agency tracker as well.
