Kyrie Irving trade rumors ramp up ahead of free agency, Kevin Durant's future with Nets also questioned

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Kyrie Irving’s name was mentioned in trade rumors Thursday, and his time with the Brooklyn Nets could be coming to an end with the start of free agency looming.

The Nets star, who signed with the team prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, has a $36.5 million player option he could opt into to facilitate a trade. 

He could choose to test free agency in hopes of a max contract but getting the most money on the open market won’t be guaranteed.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives in front of Orlando Magic guard R.J. Hampton (13) during the first half of a game March 15, 2022, in Orlando, Fla.  (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

He has until June 29 to decide whether he will opt into the deal.

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Irving created a list of teams he would want to be traded to should he and the Nets consider a sign-and-trade if they cannot hammer out an extension, ESPN reported. 

The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly on the list.

According to the report, the Nets and Irving can only discuss the possibility of him opting into the final year of his current deal and cannot talk a new deal until free agency starts June 30.

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Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets during a game against the Boston Celtics March 6, 2022, at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Whatever Irving and the Nets decide to do could affect Kevin Durant.

Irving and Durant arrived in Brooklyn together in 2019. And while the point guard was