Kyrie Irving says “There’s no way I’m leaving” Durant this offseason

Kevin Durant is locked in as a Brooklyn Net, signing a four-year, $198 million max contract extension before this season tipped-off.

The Nets had a four-year, $181.6 million extension on the table for Kyrie Irving but pulled it when his refusal to get vaccinated meant he would only be a part-time player at best for the team most of this season (not that he was likely to sign it anyway). 

Irving can be a free agent this summer but told reporters Saturday — one day before his home debut for this season — that he has no intention of leaving Durant and Brooklyn this offseason. Via Andrew Lopez of ESPN.

“To be honest, I signed up for this for the long run,” Irving said…

“For me, it has always been about being comfortable and loving where I’m at. I love it here,” Irving said. “Once that summer time hits, I know we’ll have some conversations but there’s no way I could leave my man 7 anywhere.”

Despite concerns Irving can be unreliable and challenging, the Nets are not going to find a better player on the free agent market. Put simply, the Nets would be worse without him. Assuming Durant wants Irving back — and there is every reason to believe he does — the Nets can put that same extension offer back on the table through June 30, or offer a new contract as of July 1 for five years, $246 million.

For his part, there are a couple of reasons Irving will take that deal and stay in Brooklyn.

The first is the chance to win another ring. With himself, Durant, a healthy Ben Simmons defending and playing a role next season, plus solid role players, the Nets will be title contenders. Irving enjoys the big stage and Brooklyn offers as big a one as there is in the league.

The second reason Irving was never going to leave: Money.

Irving has