Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving reported to be signing with Brooklyn Nets in massive free agent deal

The Brooklyn Nets have landed the first two biggest deals of what is expected to be an unprecedented NBA free agency frenzy: report

Durant has opted out and will sign a maximum deal with the New York-based franchise

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Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant appear set to play together for the Brooklyn Nets when Durant recovers. Photo: AP

Published: 10:55am, 1 Jul 2019Updated: 10:55am, 1 Jul 2019

Two-time NBA finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant announced on Sunday he will depart the Golden State Warriors, his team since 2016, for the Brooklyn Nets.

The 30-year-old star forward made his announcement on social media moments after the start of the NBA’s free agency period, saying he will sign a maximum-level deal with the Nets.

Durant commands top dollar despite the fact he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in game five of this year’s finals and is expected to miss all of the 2019-20 season.

“Kevin Durant has confirmed he will sign a max deal with the Brooklyn Nets,” said a post on the Instagram and Twitter accounts of The Boardroom, his company-owned sports-business network.

When Kevin Durant recovers from his Achilles injury, he will wear a Brooklyn Nets jersey. Photo: Associated Press

A max deal for Durant would be worth some US$164 million over four years. The Warriors could have offered him $221 million over five years to stay.

Under NBA rules, teams cannot sign contracts with players until Saturday, but there was still plenty of action in the opening hours of the free agency period.