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Kevin Durant signing extension with Nets sets tone for Big 3 remaining intact

ByThomas Carannante|
SAITAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Kevin Durant #7 of Team United States reacts from the bench during the second half of a Men's Basketball quarterfinals game between Team United States and Team Australia on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on August 05, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Kevin Durant #7 of Team United States reacts from the bench during the second half of a Men's Basketball quarterfinals game between Team United States and Team Australia on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on August 05, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It might not be the free agency news Brooklyn Nets fans were expecting, but it’s easily the best they could’ve received.

News broke on Friday that Kevin Durant plans to sign a massive four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Nets when he becomes eligible to do on Saturday. So much for any drama relating to his 2022-2023 player option.

The Nets have their franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future, as this deal will take the Slim Reaper through his age-37 season.

And the best part about it all is that KD’s decision to put pen to paper sets the tone for Kyrie Irving and James Harden, both of whom are eligible to hit free agency after the 2021-2022 campaign.

Kevin Durant signing a massive contract extension with the Nets is franchise-altering news.

Remember all the chatter that focused on the Nets “only having one more chance” to run it back with KD, Kyrie and Harden after they were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks? At the moment, that’s still technically the case because only Durant will be signed beyond next season, but his decision could lead to a domino effect.

Everyone saw the success the Nets had when at least two of these stars were able to take the court. Owner Joe Tsai has made it clear he’s willing to spend money to win. And general manager Sean Marks already patched up some serious voids in free agency already with the additions of Patty Mills, DeAndre’ Bembry and James Johnson. He also brought back Blake Griffin and acquired assets in the Spencer Dinwiddie trade.

If we’re to speculate, it seems Irving wants to remain in Brooklyn. He’s originally from New Jersey and has largely enjoyed his tenure with the Nets, especially this past season when he put together arguably his best season before an injury in the playoffs ended his run.

As for Harden, that situation’s undoubtedly more complicated, but the former Houston Rockets star is missing that elusive ring. And it’s obvious his best chance to fulfill that career milestone (and potentially build upon it) would be to remain alongside two of the other best scorers in the NBA.

Brooklyn will always be able to fill out the rest of the roster with tertiary/complementary pieces. The most important aspect is maintaining the star-studded core. KD’s decision just brought that closer to a reality because of his stature. That should do wonders in solidifying the identity of the Nets beyond this coming season.