Brooklyn Nets could pay $538 million to extend star trio

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are eligible for massive contract extensions this month worth more than a half-billion dollars.

Durant, 32, is eligible for a four-year deal worth $197.7 million and Irving can cash in for $181.6 million over four years or hold off until next summer, when the max extension value under the collective bargaining agreement would be a five-year, $235 million whopper.

General manager Sean Marks said the Nets are working through the process of making roster decisions.

“It’s probably too early to begin discussing what their futures are… obviously we’re committed to them. They play a big role in how we’re going to continue to build this, how we’re going to drive our culture and the identity of our team,” Marks said last month. “What you see out there is – when they’re healthy – that’s a very, very elite unit.”

Durant turns 33 before the start of the season, making him ineligible for the five-year extension based on the NBA’s “over-38” rule.

Harden can sign a three-year extension worth $161.1 million.

Durant said he expects all three to make “the right decision” on their contracts.

“Keep growing individually. That’s the most important thing: how we’re growing individually,” Durant said. 

“Definitely how we come together as a team. I enjoy seeing my teammates get better; I enjoy getting better and have an environment that encourages that every single day.”

If the Nets sign the All-Star trio to extensions, filling out the roster becomes challenging without paying record levels of luxury tax penalties.

Nine players on the season-ending roster, including Spencer Dinwiddie, Blake Griffin and Jeff Green, were free agents. However, Griffin’s agent told ESPN late Monday night that his client agreed to a one-year deal to remain in Brooklyn. – Rappler.com