5 offseason moves the Brooklyn Nets have to make

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Andre Drummond #0 (L) and Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets (C) look on during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on April 10, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Apr 25, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second quarter of game four of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Extend or trade Kyrie Irving

Irving is the player most responsible for Brooklyn’s disastrous season. His lack of availability during the regular season caused the Nets to struggle to squeak into the playoffs.

The point guard’s vaccination status shouldn’t be an issue moving forward, but it’s not as if it’s the only reason he’s missed time during his NBA career. Injuries and mental health struggles have caused him to miss big chunks of time in the past. Simply put, it’s tough for the Nets to count on him to be available for a full season.

That doesn’t mean they should put on his prodigious talent. When he’s right, he’s arguably the toughest cover in the NBA. His ability to score in bunches raises the Nets’ ceiling dramatically.

The key for Brooklyn this offseason is to get clarity from Irving. He’s entering the final year of his contract and the organization can’t let him walk into next season as a flight risk. That means the Nets either need to lock him up long-term or trade him this offseason. The latter would represent a major philosophical shift for Brooklyn, but it’s better than letting his contract status become a massive distraction.

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