Boston Celtics Complete the 4-0 Sweep Over the Brooklyn Nets
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After a 116-112 victory, the Boston Celtics completed the series sweep over the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have become the only team this playoffs to get swept in the first round. The story of this series was all about the Boston Celtics, who outclassed, out-coached, and outplayed the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics’ superstar Jayson Tatum was the difference-maker in this series. Tatum's unique play-making ability and versatility are what spurred the Celtics to an early 2-0 lead. Matching up against the superstar in Kevin Durant, Tatum has never shied away from the moment. The smothering Celtic's defense slowed down one of the NBA's prolific scorers in Durant, who has held to 38.6% shooting. In the first three games of the series, Durant had 17 turnovers and only 19 field goals. Game four was a different story, Durant, scored a game-high 39 points. In the end, Durant's effort wasn't enough to get the Nets a Win. The firepower of Tatum and Brown's dynamic scoring mix with Smart's defensive prowess is what yielded a 4-0 sweep. Ultimately, the Celtics trio was too much for Brooklyn’s duo.
One thing has been made clear: What is the future of the Brooklyn Nets?
The Nets entered the 2021-2022 season as the favoured to win the NBA title, despite the inactivity of Kyrie Irving, James Harden's mid-season departure, and the Ben Simmons' catastrophe. There are several variables to analyze when reflecting on the Nets’ pitfalls and shortcomings this season, but the main priority should be the 2022 NBA Off-season. It's easy not to forget what the Nets could have become at full strength, many have coined the phrase “The Greatest Team that never was”. In mid-December, the Nets held a 21-9 record with a convincing win over the Philadelphia 76ers, securing the first seed in the east. Amid Irving's return, Durant was sidelined with a knee injury and missed 20 games. The mid-season blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the 76ers in exchange for Simmons, Curry, and Drummond backfired on the Nets, Simmons played 0 games and was out indefinitely due to a lower back injury. In reality, what derailed the Brooklyn Nets’ season was the unavailability of their stars: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons. This summer, the Nets organization has an order of business to complete, which is Kyrie Irving's contract.
Nets Off-Season: Kyrie Irving Contract
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Heading into the off-season, the biggest priority will be Kyrie Irving’s contract. Will Brooklyn sign Irving to a max deal, does he pick up his player option, or just he depart the Nets? Before the 2021-2022 season, The Brooklyn Nets declined to offer Irving a contract extension because of his vaccination status. As the season progressed, so did New York's mandate allowing Irving to return as a full-time player. entering the final year of his contract, Irving has a player option worth $37 million which he's speculated to decline. If so, Irving can opt out of his contract in June to sign a reported 5-year $248 million deal. Irving can also decline his player option and escape free agency by signing a four-year extension with the Nets for $191.3 million. In the rare case that Irving leaves Brooklyn, he could sign with another team for 4-years $183.6 million. Following the Game four loss, Irving spoke with the media reflecting on the Nets' turbulent season.
“In terms of my extension, I don't really plan on going anywhere. This is added motivation for our franchise to be at the top of the league for the next few years. I'm just looking forward to the summer and just building with our guys here.” - Kyrie Irving
Irving remained very optimistic in his demeanor when asked about his contract status and future with the Nets. When playing, Irving is a max-caliber player and an exceptional talent, but his inactivity will impose a big risk if the Nets wish to pursue a long-time max deal. In his three seasons with the Nets', Irving has played in a total of 116 games (48%). The unavailability of Irving has created some level of skepticism around the league. Although Irving is eligible for a five-year deal, the option that makes the most sense economically, is Irving signing a four-year $191.3 million extension that aligns up with Durant’s contract through the 2025-26 season. In a perfect world, Irving would be back on a max contract on a year-to-year basis.
Off-Season Preview: Can Brooklyn Nets Ownership Bounce Back?
Photo Courtesy of The New York Times Magazine
The fact of the matter is if the Nets will get their return on investment. The Nets Owner Joe Tsai along with General Manager Sean Marks made a lofty financial commitment to building a competitive roster around their duo Durant and Irving. The Nets had the second-highest payroll with $266 million, and as we approach the off-season, the Nets can see their payroll hit a potential $330 million threshold. A viable option for Brooklyn would be to leverage their tax mid-level exception and utilize one of their trade exceptions.
“We have an incredible ownership group with Joe Tsai -- talk about putting your chips in the middle,He's supported us and supported us and continues to support us. So from that standpoint, we know what our expectations are."- Sean Marks
If Tsai alongside ownership approves this, the Nets are looking at a potential $45 million tax bill. When analyzing notable resources to rebuild the Nets roster, one can look at the first round pick received from Philadelphia and the trade exceptions. The Brooklyn Nets should prioritize depth, If Drummond doesn’t resign, the intention would be to sign Nic Claxton but, for a deep run in the playoff they would need to add another rim protector. With both Harris and Simmons expected to be available for the 2022-23 season start, it will be quite the off-season for the Brooklyn Nets who wish to return back in the NBA title contention.