NBA world rocked by bombshell Kevin Durant decision

The NBA's free agency period got off to a typically dramatic start on Friday, with former MVP Kevin Durant requesting a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets.

Durant joined the Nets in 2019 alongside Kyrie Irving, with the duo poised at the time to bring the Nets into championship contention.

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However a disappointing first round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in th playoffs seems to have been enough for Durant to want to make a change.

The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are reportedly on Durant's list of preferred destinations, but the Nets are determined to get the best possible deal for the 33-year-old.

The Nets traded away another All-Star last season, James Harden, after he demanded out amid a diabolical regular season in which Irving played just 29 games thanks to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Harden was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond - however the Australian former No.1 pick has yet to play for the Nets since the trade.

Durant, 33, has been slowed by injury in recent seasons. When healthy, though, he remains an elite player at the top of the NBA.

Wherever he plays next season, he'll bring with him expectations to compete for a championship.

The revalation caused quite a stir among fellow NBA players, with the likes of Joel Embiid, Trae Young and various others all weighing in on Twitter.

Meanwhile, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving was a part-time player during the regular season after he refused to comply with a New York City COVID-19 vaccine regulation.

Irving's future with the franchise has lingered over the offseason as he and the team reportedly reached an "impasse."

General manager Sean Marks said at the conclusion of Brooklyn's season that he wants players who can "be available." Irving played 29 games during the regular season last year.

Despite the reported impasse, Irving reportedly opted into his $36.9 million player option earlier this week.

The transaction leaves open the possibility of a trade as the two sides have not agreed on a long-term deal.

Brooklyn Nets re-tool after Kevin Durant trade request

Durant and Irving joined the Nets together three seasons ago as a package deal. Now, it appears that Durant is ready to move on.

If Durant is eventually dealt, the move will mark the end of wildly disappointing era in Brooklyn.

The Nets remained among the NBA title favorites since Durant and Irving teamed up, but it simply hasn't panned out the way they would have liked.

In two relatively healthy seasons together — Durant missed his first season recovering from an Achilles injury — Durant and Irving have failed to advance the Nets past the second round of the playoffs.

The Nets also re-signed Australian guard Patty Mills to a new two-year deal, while fellow Boomers star Joe Ingles has agreed to a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Simmons offered optimism about his return Thursday, saying he was "feeling incredible" after being cleared to start rehab following back surgery.

Simmons posted an image on his Instagram story in which he's sitting in front of his Nets locker. He wrote, "feeling incredible" on the picture.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 NBA season due to a holdout, mental health issues and a back injury.

He was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Nets at the trade deadline, but did not suit up for his new team due back issues.

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