There's not always a disconnect between public sentiment and league executive reactions to news in the basketball world. But when Kyrie Irving opted in last week to his contract, with supporting reporting suggesting he would “decline” trade offers and “fulfill his commitment” to the Nets, there were two very different reactions.'
The public and media felt that “well, they're running it back with KD and Kyrie!” However, league executives who spoke with Action Network asked this question:'
“Why does everyone think this is over?”
Turn the page to Thursday, hours before the “official” start of free agency (that had, in reality, been ongoing for weeks; tampering is just not a thing anymore), and the news drops:'
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.