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NBA rumors: Kyrie Irving more likely to remain with Nets

Kyrie Irving Nets

Photo: Adam Hunger/Associated Press

Kyrie Irving will be the biggest storyline for the Brooklyn Nets this summer. Whereas there are rumors which suggest Brooklyn could move on from the superstar point guard this offseason.

According to Briaw Lewis of NY Post, all indication points strongly to Kyrie remaining in Brooklyn and signing a deal with the franchise. Irving has until June 29 to decide whether he will opt out of the final $36.5 million year of his contract for 2022-23.

If he does, he will become a free agent and he will be eligible for a max extension. According to Lewis, opting out and signing a deal is the likely scenario for the All-Star guard.

Irving’s refusal to adhere to New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates essentially cost Irving 53 games and likely contributed to the Nets’ early exit from the playoffs. In his closing statement for the season, Irving said he’s willing to stay in Brooklyn.

The Blazers interested in adding Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Portland Trail Blazers are exploring trades for another veteran star to add alongside Damian Lillard. O’Connor refers to the Wizards’ scoring guard Bradley Beal and Bulls’ free agent Zach LaVine as potential targets.

Lillard befriended Beal through their experience with Team USA, and the Wizards star has a player option for next season, per O’Connor. He have one season remaining in his current deal, so he can also become available via trade.

Other players mentioned as potential targets are Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets, and Jerami Grant as the Blazers are also looking to sign a wing that will add defensive versatility and explosiveness.

Kenny Atkinson, Mike D’Antoni finalists for Hornets’ job

The Charlotte Hornets are down to two finalists for their vacant head coaching position, with Mike D’Antoni and Kenny Atkinson scheduled to meet with owner Michael Jordan this week, ESPN reported Monday.

Should D’Antoni get the job, it would mark his sixth stint as an NBA head coach. He has a career record of 672-527 across 16 seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

Atkinson is currently in his first year as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. In four seasons as head coach of the Nets from 2016-20, he went 118-190 and made the playoffs once.

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