Nets GM Sean Marks Opens Up On Contract Extensions for James Harden, Kyrie Irving

The Brooklyn Nets—only a few months removed from playoff loss to the eventual NBA champions—are expected to be at the top of the league next season after making the necessary moves to keep their star-studded roster together.

Having added Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge and Sekou Doumbouya to their frontcourt rotation at various points this offseason, the Nets’ focus shifted towards their perimeter group, which is led by the the All-NBA triumvirate of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

Durant, a two-time champion and Finals MVP, signed a four-year extension with Brooklyn in early August. Returning from an Achilles injury, KD’s first year with the Nets may have gotten off to a less than ideal start with his extended absence but once he hit the court, he appeared to be in midseason form already.

After averaging 26.9 points. 7.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game in his return, and meshing with Irving and Harden all the while, the trio’s future together seemed certain. An idea supported by the actions of Nets general manager, Sean Marks, who also signed Kyrie and Harden to contract extensions this offseason.

In a recent press conference, Marks opened up to the media about giving extensions for his star-studded backcourt.

“This is something those guys know exactly how we feel, and I think they’ve been vocal about wanting to be part of this and build this together,” said Marks.

“I think we’ve got an opportunity to build something special here for the foreseeable future, hopefully.”

“The fact that they want to collaborate, they want to come here together, they want to build this together. I look forward to those discussions with Steve and myself and ownership, who’s been incredibly supportive through this whole thing, and with the players. Just like any decision, it’s a partnership, and it’s a collaboration.”

Though Irving and Harden would sustain injuries during the 2021 NBA Playoffs that undermined their best efforts to reach the Finals, Brooklyn keeping their Big Three together should be a no-brainer.

With such a highly-skilled assortment superstars, the Nets are perennial championship contenders and it’s difficult to imagine how they could realistically improve their top-end talent.

By banking on the trio (literally and metaphorically), Marks is showing that he knows that just as well as anybody.

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