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Kevin Durant’s sudden recommitment to the Nets apparently derailed the Lakers’ plan to offload Russell Westbrook in a potential point-guard swap for Kyrie Irving.

Although Irving opted in to his $37 million contract for the 2022-23 season at the end of June, the Nets were still exploring trade options for the All-Star guard — including a possible Lakers deal involving Westbrook and draft compensation, according to The Athletic.

The Lakers were reportedly using Westbrook’s contract to match salaries for a potential Irving trade, as The Athletic stated in a separate report that LeBron James was “privately adamant” that Los Angeles needed to trade for Irving.


  Kyrie Irving, left, and Kevin Durant will remain with the Nets for now. AP Kyrie Irving, left, and Kevin Durant will remain with the Nets for now. AP

  LeBron James had reportedly been interested in reuniting with Kyrie Irving in Los Angeles. USA TODAY Sports LeBron James had reportedly been interested in reuniting with Kyrie Irving in Los Angeles. USA TODAY Sports

Westbrook opted in to the final year and $47 million left on his contract with the Lakers at the end of June.

However, with Durant rescinding his trade request and returning to Brooklyn, the Lakers’ pursuit of Irving hit a dead end on Tuesday.

Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement on Tuesday that after a face-to-face to clear the air, the Nets and Durant — whose surprise trade request came in June — are “moving forward” together to chase the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship.

Following his trade request, Durant also proposed an ultimatum for the Nets to move him, or fire Marks and coach Steve Nash in order for him to stay. Whatever happened in that face-to-face meeting resulted in all three remaining in Brooklyn for the foreseeable future, with the expectation for this to be a long-term marriage.

“We want to build a lasting franchise,” a Nets source told The Post’s Brian Lewis, “so this is not just about this year.”

Irving, meanwhile, has been working out with teammates and holding “constructive dialogue” with Nets brass this offseason, according to The Athletic. Irving’s commitment to Brooklyn came into question last season after he played in just 29 games due to his non-compliance with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine policy.

Durant, who will turn 34 in September, signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Nets last August.

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