Jason Collins, former NBA player and the league first openly gay athlete, has passed away aged 47. The tragic news was announced by Collins' family on Tuesday (May 12). He was suffering from stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was undergoing treatment for the same but unfortunalety passed away. Collins played in the NBA for 14 years including for the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets. He came out as gay in 2013 while still playing in the NBA and his decision to come out was praised both inside and outside the league.<h2>Collins family shares statement via NBA</h2>"Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar," read the statement released by the NBA on behalf of Collins family. "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pga-championship-mcilroy-cuts-practice-short-after-three-rounds-because-of-foot-blister-1778637382952">PGA Championship: McIlroy cuts practice short because of foot blister</a>Collins had revealed last year via ESPN that he is suffering from Stage 4 glioblastoma - a form of brain cancer. "Imagine a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball," he had described in his letter."The goal is to keep fighting the progress of the tumors long enough for a personalized immunotherapy to be made for me, and to keep me healthy enough to receive that immunotherapy once it's ready," he had shared.<h2>Collins in NBA</h2>Collins was active in NBA from 2001-02 season to 2013-14 and retired shortly after coming out as gay. "I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay," he had written in eassy for Sports Illustrated back in 2013 while coming out.He played for New Jersey Nets from 2001-02 to 2007-08 before moving to Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of the 2007-08 season. In 2008-09, he played for Minnesota Timberwolves before going to Atlanta Hawks from 2009-10 to 2011-12. He split the 2012-13 season between the Celtics and the Washington Wizards before playing his final season with the Brooklyn Nets (erstwhile NJ Nets) before calling his time.He featured in 735 regular season games in NBA, averaging 3.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.

Collins had revealed last year that he is suffering from Stage 4 glioblastoma - a form of brain cancer. "Imagine a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball," he had described in his letter.

Jason Collins, former NBA player and the league first openly gay athlete, has passed away aged 47. The tragic news was announced by Collins' family on Tuesday (May 12). He was suffering from stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was undergoing treatment for the same but unfortunalety passed away. Collins played in the NBA for 14 years including for the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets. He came out as gay in 2013 while still playing in the NBA and his decision to come out was praised both inside and outside the league. Collins family shares statement via NBA "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar," read the statement released by the NBA on behalf of Collins family. "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly." Also Read - PGA Championship: McIlroy cuts practice short because of foot blister Collins had revealed last year via ESPN that he is suffering from Stage 4 glioblastoma - a form of brain cancer. "Imagine a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball," he had described in his letter. "The goal is to keep fighting the progress of the tumors long enough for a personalized immunotherapy to be made for me, and to keep me healthy enough to receive that immunotherapy once it's ready," he had shared. Collins in NBA Collins was active in NBA from 2001-02 season to 2013-14 and retired shortly after coming out as gay. "I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay," he had written in eassy for Sports Illustrated back in 2013 while coming out. He played for New Jersey Nets from 2001-02 to 2007-08 before moving to Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of the 2007-08 season. In 2008-09, he played for Minnesota Timberwolves before going to Atlanta Hawks from 2009-10 to 2011-12. He split the 2012-13 season between the Celtics and the Washington Wizards before playing his final season with the Brooklyn Nets (erstwhile NJ Nets) before calling his time. He featured in 735 regular season games in NBA, averaging 3.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.

Collins had revealed last year that he is suffering from Stage 4 glioblastoma - a form of brain cancer. "Imagine a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball," he had described in his letter.

Jason Collins, 47, NBA's first openly gay player dies after battling brain cancer

The Phoenix Suns beat the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in overtime in a sold-out pre-season game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence sparked by a pro-democracy tweet. The first of two matches in Macau capped the NBA's bid to mend fences with China, a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball."The atmosphere is amazing. I've been a Suns fan for a long time," said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from the nearby Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carl-lewis-if-life-was-easy-everybody-would-be-good-at-it-legendary-american-track-and-field-athlete-says-i-am-a-homebody-1760112358001">Carl Lewis: If life was easy, everybody would be good at it</a>"The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it's on my doorstep I'll show up to give my support," Jin said, adding that he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) for tickets and travel.Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception, while China's 22-year-old Nets forward Zeng Fanbo made his NBA debut.NBA commissioner Adam Silver told AFP on Thursday that "there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China".Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity to visit and learn about a new culture."We are told that we get support from China, a lot of fans watching our games. But the reality is you don't know until you come here, and it's been an amazing experience," he said.Also speaking before the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said many of his players were travelling to China for the first time."Just that excitement when they walk out tonight -- we know it's a packed house -- would be really cool experience for all of us to remember," Ott said.The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA on Friday which includes providing opportunities for Chinese teams to take part in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States, according to state media.<h2>Rush for tickets</h2>The NBA's popularity in China took off during the 2000s with the Yao Ming craze, with 28 pre-season games played in the country between 2004 and 2019.The relationship soured in 2019 after NBA executives stood behind a team official who tweeted his support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.Qin Junhong, a 19-year-old studying in Macau, said he remembered little about the row and was just "excited" to attend the game with his friends."There were so many people rushing for tickets," Qin told AFP.Friday's game is part of a multimillion-dollar deal to stage NBA pre-season matches at the Venetian Arena, part of the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate controlled by the Adelson family, who are the majority ownership group in the Dallas Mavericks.Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, is a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.Ahead of the game, crowds took selfies at NBA-themed booths and shops in a convention hall, with large signs showing the logos of the league's Chinese brand partners.The Venetian Arena is part of Macau's upscale hotel-casinos district known as the Cotai Strip, home to a replica Big Ben and Eiffel Tower.

Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception, while China's 22-year-old Nets forward Zeng Fanbo made his NBA debut.

The Phoenix Suns beat the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in overtime in a sold-out pre-season game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence sparked by a pro-democracy tweet. The first of two matches in Macau capped the NBA's bid to mend fences with China, a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball. "The atmosphere is amazing. I've been a Suns fan for a long time," said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from the nearby Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen. Also Read - Carl Lewis: If life was easy, everybody would be good at it "The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it's on my doorstep I'll show up to give my support," Jin said, adding that he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) for tickets and travel. Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception, while China's 22-year-old Nets forward Zeng Fanbo made his NBA debut. NBA commissioner Adam Silver told AFP on Thursday that "there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China". Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity to visit and learn about a new culture. "We are told that we get support from China, a lot of fans watching our games. But the reality is you don't know until you come here, and it's been an amazing experience," he said. Also speaking before the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said many of his players were travelling to China for the first time. "Just that excitement when they walk out tonight -- we know it's a packed house -- would be really cool experience for all of us to remember," Ott said. The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA on Friday which includes providing opportunities for Chinese teams to take part in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States, according to state media. Rush for tickets The NBA's popularity in China took off during the 2000s with the Yao Ming craze, with 28 pre-season games played in the country between 2004 and 2019. The relationship soured in 2019 after NBA executives stood behind a team official who tweeted his support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Qin Junhong, a 19-year-old studying in Macau, said he remembered little about the row and was just "excited" to attend the game with his friends. "There were so many people rushing for tickets," Qin told AFP. Friday's game is part of a multimillion-dollar deal to stage NBA pre-season matches at the Venetian Arena, part of the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate controlled by the Adelson family, who are the majority ownership group in the Dallas Mavericks. Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, is a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong. Ahead of the game, crowds took selfies at NBA-themed booths and shops in a convention hall, with large signs showing the logos of the league's Chinese brand partners. The Venetian Arena is part of Macau's upscale hotel-casinos district known as the Cotai Strip, home to a replica Big Ben and Eiffel Tower.

Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception, while China's 22-year-old Nets forward Zeng Fanbo made his NBA debut.

Suns beat Nets in pre-season as NBA returns to China after six-year hiatus

Jimmy Butler scored 36 points to help the Miami Heat shake off a slow start and beat the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 on Thursday, pushing their NBA winning streak to seven games. The Heat, with Tyler Herro still sidelined by injury, missed 10 of their first 11 shots, but the Nets couldn't build a lead of more than six points in the first quarter.

By halftime the Heat were up 60-52, and Butler scored 18 in the third quarter as Miami pushed their lead to double digits, never trailing in the second half. Butler connected on 12 of 19 shots from the field and added five rebounds with three assists and three blocked shots. Duncan Robinson scored 26 points for Miami and Bam Adebayo chipped in 20. Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker IV scored 23 points apiece for the Nets, whose November 1 victory over last year's Eastern Conference champions had pushed the Heat to 1-4.

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Miami haven't dropped a game since and have climbed to third place in the East, 1.5 games behind leaders Boston. In the only other game on Thursday, the short-handed Golden State Warriors hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Warriors, again without injured Stephen Curry, were playing their first game since Draymond Green was handed a five-game suspension for grabbing Minnesota's Rudy Gobert around the neck during a loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters before the game that Green, who was ejected after grabbing Gobert around the neck and dragging him across the court, "definitely took it too far."

Kerr said he had no objection to Green reacting to Gobert's contact with Golden State's Klay Thompson -- after Thompson tangled with Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels -- but he said Green crossed a line.

"He hung on for six, seven seconds. It was a terrible visual for the league, for Draymond, for everybody," Kerr said. "Draymond was wrong, he knows that, it's a bad look. The five games is deserved. We move forward."

Jimmy Butler scored 36 points to help the Miami Heat shake off a slow start and beat the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 on Thursday, pushing their NBA winning streak to seven games.

Jimmy Butler scored 36 points to help the Miami Heat shake off a slow start and beat the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 on Thursday, pushing their NBA winning streak to seven games. The Heat, with Tyler Herro still sidelined by injury, missed 10 of their first 11 shots, but the Nets couldn't build a lead of more than six points in the first quarter. By halftime the Heat were up 60-52, and Butler scored 18 in the third quarter as Miami pushed their lead to double digits, never trailing in the second half. Butler connected on 12 of 19 shots from the field and added five rebounds with three assists and three blocked shots. Duncan Robinson scored 26 points for Miami and Bam Adebayo chipped in 20. Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker IV scored 23 points apiece for the Nets, whose November 1 victory over last year's Eastern Conference champions had pushed the Heat to 1-4. Also Read: Newcastle United manager rues penalty not given against PSG in Champions League game Miami haven't dropped a game since and have climbed to third place in the East, 1.5 games behind leaders Boston. In the only other game on Thursday, the short-handed Golden State Warriors hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors, again without injured Stephen Curry, were playing their first game since Draymond Green was handed a five-game suspension for grabbing Minnesota's Rudy Gobert around the neck during a loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters before the game that Green, who was ejected after grabbing Gobert around the neck and dragging him across the court, "definitely took it too far." Kerr said he had no objection to Green reacting to Gobert's contact with Golden State's Klay Thompson -- after Thompson tangled with Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels -- but he said Green crossed a line. "He hung on for six, seven seconds. It was a terrible visual for the league, for Draymond, for everybody," Kerr said. "Draymond was wrong, he knows that, it's a bad look. The five games is deserved. We move forward."

Jimmy Butler's 36 points help Miami Heat beat Brooklyn Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers shrugged off the absence of Joel Embiid to complete a 4-0 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA playoffs on Saturday as the Phoenix Suns edged closer to a second round berth with victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Sixers advanced to an Eastern Conference semi-final showdown against either Boston or Atlanta with a dominant second-half display to seal a 96-88 victory in Brooklyn.

The Sixers trailed by 11 points early in the third quarter but transformed the contest with an 18-4 run to take the lead before closing out victory with a fourth-quarter rally.

The Sixers' win was all the more impressive given the absence of star center Embiid, who suffered a right knee sprain in Thursday's 102-97 victory in game three.

Embiid led the NBA with 33.1 points a game and is a finalist for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

With Embiid out, Paul Reed stepped in to fill the void and finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Tobias Harris led the scoring for Philadelphia with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while De'Anthony Melton came off the bench to produce 15 points and lead the fourth-quarter rally.

Harris said the Sixers had been determined to use Embiid's absence as a motivator.

"He's the MVP. And when we heard he wasn't playing, I think it was an opportunity for everybody else to really step up and understand that we've got to get a win without the big fella," Harris told the TNT television network after the win.

"For us to come out here and get this victory, it feels great for the whole group.

"The whole group came together today. It's a great win for us and a great way to sweep the series."&nbsp;

Asked what his message to the injured Embiid would be, Harris replied: "Hurry up and get your ass back out here."

The 4-0 series victory was Philadelphia's first playoff sweep since 1991.

Spencer Dinwiddie led Brooklyn's scoring with 20 points while Nic Claxton had 19 points with 12 rebounds.

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<h2>Suns on the brink</h2>

In Los Angeles, Kevin Durant finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help Phoenix take a 3-1 series lead over the Clippers with a 112-100 victory.

Devin Booker plundered 30 points and veteran Chris Paul added 19 in a late burst of scoring as Phoenix bagged their second straight win in Los Angeles in the best-of-seven series.

It means the Suns need just one more win to book their place in the Western Conference semi-finals, with game five set for Phoenix on Tuesday.

The Clippers' hopes of squaring the series had been dealt a blow by the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who joined Paul George on the injured list.

In their absence Russell Westbrook produced one of his best performances for the Clippers with a 37-point display but ultimately it was not enough as the greater depth of the Suns line-up proved too much.

"I'm in a good place and I'm enjoying playing ball," Durant said after the win.

"I've been out a few months this season, and I'm just happy I'm out here where the ball is."

In later playoff games on Saturday, the Milwaukee Bucks travel to Miami looking for a win on the road over the Heat with the best-of-seven series finely balanced at 1-1.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out game two after suffering a back injury in game one, was listed as questionable for Milwaukee.

In the late game, the Memphis Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers with their series knotted at one game apiece.

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The Philadelphia 76ers shrugged off the absence of Joel Embiid to complete a 4-0 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA playoffs on Saturday as the Phoenix Suns edged closer to a second round berth with victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers shrugged off the absence of Joel Embiid to complete a 4-0 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA playoffs on Saturday as the Phoenix Suns edged closer to a second round berth with victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers advanced to an Eastern Conference semi-final showdown against either Boston or Atlanta with a dominant second-half display to seal a 96-88 victory in Brooklyn. The Sixers trailed by 11 points early in the third quarter but transformed the contest with an 18-4 run to take the lead before closing out victory with a fourth-quarter rally. The Sixers' win was all the more impressive given the absence of star center Embiid, who suffered a right knee sprain in Thursday's 102-97 victory in game three. Embiid led the NBA with 33.1 points a game and is a finalist for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. With Embiid out, Paul Reed stepped in to fill the void and finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Tobias Harris led the scoring for Philadelphia with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while De'Anthony Melton came off the bench to produce 15 points and lead the fourth-quarter rally. Harris said the Sixers had been determined to use Embiid's absence as a motivator. "He's the MVP. And when we heard he wasn't playing, I think it was an opportunity for everybody else to really step up and understand that we've got to get a win without the big fella," Harris told the TNT television network after the win. "For us to come out here and get this victory, it feels great for the whole group. "The whole group came together today. It's a great win for us and a great way to sweep the series." Asked what his message to the injured Embiid would be, Harris replied: "Hurry up and get your ass back out here." The 4-0 series victory was Philadelphia's first playoff sweep since 1991. Spencer Dinwiddie led Brooklyn's scoring with 20 points while Nic Claxton had 19 points with 12 rebounds. ALSO READ | Bundesliga: Mainz stun Bayern Munich 3-1 to hand major jolt in title race Suns on the brink In Los Angeles, Kevin Durant finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help Phoenix take a 3-1 series lead over the Clippers with a 112-100 victory. Devin Booker plundered 30 points and veteran Chris Paul added 19 in a late burst of scoring as Phoenix bagged their second straight win in Los Angeles in the best-of-seven series. It means the Suns need just one more win to book their place in the Western Conference semi-finals, with game five set for Phoenix on Tuesday. The Clippers' hopes of squaring the series had been dealt a blow by the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who joined Paul George on the injured list. In their absence Russell Westbrook produced one of his best performances for the Clippers with a 37-point display but ultimately it was not enough as the greater depth of the Suns line-up proved too much. "I'm in a good place and I'm enjoying playing ball," Durant said after the win. "I've been out a few months this season, and I'm just happy I'm out here where the ball is." In later playoff games on Saturday, the Milwaukee Bucks travel to Miami looking for a win on the road over the Heat with the best-of-seven series finely balanced at 1-1. Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out game two after suffering a back injury in game one, was listed as questionable for Milwaukee. In the late game, the Memphis Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers with their series knotted at one game apiece. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA Playoffs: Sixers advance after Nets sweep, Suns on brink as Clippers downed

The Brooklyn Nets recorded the biggest comeback this National Basketball Association (NBA) season as they beat the Boston Celtics 115-105, wiping off a 28-point deficit conceded in the first half.&nbsp;

The Nets were down 51-23 at one point and then, in a fortunate turn of events, outscored the home team 92-54 to win the game. The comeback was also the joint highest in the Nets' history.

“They beat us in every analytical category possible,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla after the game. “If we don’t commit to the margins, no matter how hard we play, we’re not going to win,” he added.

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For the Nets, guard Mikal Bridges had a monstrous game as he scored a double-double of 38 points and 10 rebounds. Apart from him, forward Cameron Johnson scored 20 points while Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 17 points each. 
&nbsp; 
For the Celtics, guard Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and star forward Jayson Tatum managed a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, but struggled with 3s as went 0-for-8 from the deep.&nbsp;

Brooklyn started clawing their teeth back in the game with 7:11 left on the clock in the second quarter as they closed the first-half with a 32-13 run. The run, going into the half-time, also included a buzzer-beater that brought the deficit down to nice points with the score settled at 64-55.

After being down 37-15 in the first quarter, the Nets managed to score 40 against 27 in the second and kept the momentum going thereafter as the Celtics struggled. In the second half, Brooklyn outscored Boston in the both, third and the fourth quarter, managing 34-20 and 26-21.

The Celtic had 19 turnovers during the game that led to their loss and the crowd at the TD Garden wasn't forgiving as the boos rained down. Boston also managed just 9 three-pointers from 30 attempts, highlighting their struggle on the day.

Nets' top scorer Bridges, after the game, said, "I think we kind of realized over a couple of games that offense wasn’t really our problem. I feel like our offense is pretty good. But our defense, we got stops and stayed together possession-by-possession. … We just kept and stayed together."

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The Brooklyn Nets recorded the biggest comeback this National Basketball Association (NBA) season as they beat the Boston Celtics 115-105, wiping off a 28-point deficit conceded in the first half.

The Brooklyn Nets recorded the biggest comeback this National Basketball Association (NBA) season as they beat the Boston Celtics 115-105, wiping off a 28-point deficit conceded in the first half. The Nets were down 51-23 at one point and then, in a fortunate turn of events, outscored the home team 92-54 to win the game. The comeback was also the joint highest in the Nets' history. “They beat us in every analytical category possible,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla after the game. “If we don’t commit to the margins, no matter how hard we play, we’re not going to win,” he added. Also Read: Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic becomes only sixth player to record 100 triple-doubles For the Nets, guard Mikal Bridges had a monstrous game as he scored a double-double of 38 points and 10 rebounds. Apart from him, forward Cameron Johnson scored 20 points while Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 17 points each. For the Celtics, guard Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and star forward Jayson Tatum managed a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, but struggled with 3s as went 0-for-8 from the deep. Brooklyn started clawing their teeth back in the game with 7:11 left on the clock in the second quarter as they closed the first-half with a 32-13 run. The run, going into the half-time, also included a buzzer-beater that brought the deficit down to nice points with the score settled at 64-55. After being down 37-15 in the first quarter, the Nets managed to score 40 against 27 in the second and kept the momentum going thereafter as the Celtics struggled. In the second half, Brooklyn outscored Boston in the both, third and the fourth quarter, managing 34-20 and 26-21. The Celtic had 19 turnovers during the game that led to their loss and the crowd at the TD Garden wasn't forgiving as the boos rained down. Boston also managed just 9 three-pointers from 30 attempts, highlighting their struggle on the day. Nets' top scorer Bridges, after the game, said, "I think we kind of realized over a couple of games that offense wasn’t really our problem. I feel like our offense is pretty good. But our defense, we got stops and stayed together possession-by-possession. … We just kept and stayed together." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA: Nets script epic comeback win as they wipe out 28-point deficit to beat Celtics

Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant is all set to join the 2021 NBA finalist Phoenix Suns. The NBA superstar has been traded from the Brooklyn Nets, which acquired&nbsp;Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and four first-round picks in the deal. The Suns will also get forward TJ Warren alongside Durant.

Durant, touted as future Hall of Famer, didn't have a satisfying time with the Nets after joining them in 2019. He was sidelined for the entire 2019-20 season with an Achilles injury and eventually managed to win only one playoff series with the Nets.

Durant will be joining an already start-studded Suns team with Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton and shooting guard Devin Booker already on Phoenix's roster. Although, with Durant onboard, the Suns, which are currently sixth in the Western Conference, will be stacked as one of the top contenders for the NBA title.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nba-kyrie-irving-joins-dallas-mavericks-559525">WATCH |&nbsp;NBA: Kyrie Irving Joins Dallas Mavericks</a>

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Phoenix will be eager to build a long-lasting group centred around Durant but for now the game is wait and watch. Notably, Kevin Durant won his two NBA championships back-to-back with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and 2018 and was also named the finals MVP on both the occasions.

The news for Nets fans, however, isn't much pleasing. Brookly had high hopes from the trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. But the dreams of a title couldn't materialise. While Harden already left the Nets to join the Philadelphia 76ers last year, Irving will be joining the Dallas Mavericks. Coming to play-offs, the Nets are still in contention, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nike-severs-ties-with-kyrie-irving-cancels-next-shoe-launch-531416">Read more:&nbsp;Nike severs ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism controversy, cancels shoe launch</a>

In other deals before the Thursday deadline, Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Utah Jazz from the Los Angeles Lakers. The defending champions Golden State Warriors also brought back Gary Payton II in a deal with the Portland Trailblazers.

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Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant is all set to join the 2021 NBA finalist Phoenix Suns. The NBA superstar has been traded from the Brooklyn Nets, which acquired Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and four first-round picks in the deal.

Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant is all set to join the 2021 NBA finalist Phoenix Suns. The NBA superstar has been traded from the Brooklyn Nets, which acquired Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and four first-round picks in the deal. The Suns will also get forward TJ Warren alongside Durant. Durant, touted as future Hall of Famer, didn't have a satisfying time with the Nets after joining them in 2019. He was sidelined for the entire 2019-20 season with an Achilles injury and eventually managed to win only one playoff series with the Nets. Durant will be joining an already start-studded Suns team with Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton and shooting guard Devin Booker already on Phoenix's roster. Although, with Durant onboard, the Suns, which are currently sixth in the Western Conference, will be stacked as one of the top contenders for the NBA title. WATCH | NBA: Kyrie Irving Joins Dallas Mavericks × Phoenix will be eager to build a long-lasting group centred around Durant but for now the game is wait and watch. Notably, Kevin Durant won his two NBA championships back-to-back with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and 2018 and was also named the finals MVP on both the occasions. The news for Nets fans, however, isn't much pleasing. Brookly had high hopes from the trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. But the dreams of a title couldn't materialise. While Harden already left the Nets to join the Philadelphia 76ers last year, Irving will be joining the Dallas Mavericks. Coming to play-offs, the Nets are still in contention, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference. Read more: Nike severs ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism controversy, cancels shoe launch In other deals before the Thursday deadline, Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Utah Jazz from the Los Angeles Lakers. The defending champions Golden State Warriors also brought back Gary Payton II in a deal with the Portland Trailblazers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NBA: Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant traded to Phoenix Suns

NBA superstar forward&nbsp;Kevin&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;is headed to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets, US media reported on Wednesday. The Nets were trading&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;and TJ Warren in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first-round draft picks, according to US outlets, including ESPN, which cited unnamed sources. The move, on the eve of the NBA's trade deadline on Thursday, follows Brooklyn's trade of Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, after Irving requested a move.

It also comes on the same day that US billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia made his debut as the new owner of the Suns, promising that he was "not going to be sitting here counting the dollars. I'm going to look at how can we improve our team."

Durant&nbsp;-- a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and a former NBA regular-season MVP -- had requested a trade in June, less than a year after he inked a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Nets. The 34-year-old had reportedly grown frustrated with the direction of the franchise, who were swept in the first round of last season's playoffs despite having the star duo of&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;and Irving.

In August it became clear that&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;would remain in Brooklyn, but the club got off to a chaotic start this season. They sacked head coach Steve Nash in November after a 1-5 start to the season. Then Irving was suspended for eight games after a social media post publicizing a movie with anti-Semitic themes and declining to apologize.

Although the Nets fortunes had turned around under new coach Jacque Vaughn,&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;has been sidelined since January 8 because of a sprained ligament in his right knee. On Tuesday, Vaughn told reporters that&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;"had a really good report" in his latest medical evaluation, although the team had offered no timeline on when he would return to the court.

Durant&nbsp;was averaging 29.7 points per game on 55.9 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game this season. He was named an All-Star Game team captain as the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference but will not be able to play in the game on February 19.

<h2>- Conference rivals -</h2>

The mercurial Irving, who reportedly asked out of Brooklyn after failing to agree on a contract extension, made his Mavericks debut on Wednesday, scoring 24 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Irving, asked about the&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;trade after the Mavs game, said he was looking forward to taking on his good friend as a Western Conference rival. "I love the competition now that we can be in the same conference," Irving said. "That's what I'm looking forward to. Everything else and in the in-between, I'm just glad that he got out of there."

Durant&nbsp;and Irving both arrived in Brooklyn in 2019 aiming to form a "super team" along with James Harden -- who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers shortly before the trade deadline last year. Amid injuries, controversies and simple lack of chemistry, Brooklyn's "Big Three" never advanced past the second round of the playoffs together.

Durant&nbsp;will now join veteran star Chris Paul and Devin Booker in Phoenix in a bid to claim the third championship ring of his career, after he won two with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Irving's move to Dallas started the trade dominos falling in earnest. In addition to the&nbsp;Durant&nbsp;trade, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly poised to trade Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that will bring Minnesota's D'Angelo Russell to the Lakers, US media reported on Wednesday.

NBA superstar forward Kevin Durant is headed to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets, US media reported on Wednesday. The Nets were trading Durant and TJ Warren in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first-round draft picks, according to US outlets, including ESPN, which cited unnamed sources.

NBA superstar forward Kevin Durant is headed to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets, US media reported on Wednesday. The Nets were trading Durant and TJ Warren in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first-round draft picks, according to US outlets, including ESPN, which cited unnamed sources. The move, on the eve of the NBA's trade deadline on Thursday, follows Brooklyn's trade of Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, after Irving requested a move. It also comes on the same day that US billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia made his debut as the new owner of the Suns, promising that he was "not going to be sitting here counting the dollars. I'm going to look at how can we improve our team." Durant -- a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and a former NBA regular-season MVP -- had requested a trade in June, less than a year after he inked a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Nets. The 34-year-old had reportedly grown frustrated with the direction of the franchise, who were swept in the first round of last season's playoffs despite having the star duo of Durant and Irving. In August it became clear that Durant would remain in Brooklyn, but the club got off to a chaotic start this season. They sacked head coach Steve Nash in November after a 1-5 start to the season. Then Irving was suspended for eight games after a social media post publicizing a movie with anti-Semitic themes and declining to apologize. Although the Nets fortunes had turned around under new coach Jacque Vaughn, Durant has been sidelined since January 8 because of a sprained ligament in his right knee. On Tuesday, Vaughn told reporters that Durant "had a really good report" in his latest medical evaluation, although the team had offered no timeline on when he would return to the court. Durant was averaging 29.7 points per game on 55.9 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game this season. He was named an All-Star Game team captain as the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference but will not be able to play in the game on February 19. - Conference rivals - The mercurial Irving, who reportedly asked out of Brooklyn after failing to agree on a contract extension, made his Mavericks debut on Wednesday, scoring 24 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Irving, asked about the Durant trade after the Mavs game, said he was looking forward to taking on his good friend as a Western Conference rival. "I love the competition now that we can be in the same conference," Irving said. "That's what I'm looking forward to. Everything else and in the in-between, I'm just glad that he got out of there." Durant and Irving both arrived in Brooklyn in 2019 aiming to form a "super team" along with James Harden -- who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers shortly before the trade deadline last year. Amid injuries, controversies and simple lack of chemistry, Brooklyn's "Big Three" never advanced past the second round of the playoffs together. Durant will now join veteran star Chris Paul and Devin Booker in Phoenix in a bid to claim the third championship ring of his career, after he won two with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Irving's move to Dallas started the trade dominos falling in earnest. In addition to the Durant trade, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly poised to trade Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that will bring Minnesota's D'Angelo Russell to the Lakers, US media reported on Wednesday.

Kevin Durant headed to Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade from Brooklyn Nets - Report

More than a month after Nike suspended its deal with Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving, the company has officially ended the relationship.&nbsp;

Irving's agent Shetellia Riley Irving informed that the basketballer was no longer under contract with the footwear giant after being associated with it since 2014.&nbsp;

“We have mutually decided to part ways and wish Nike the best in their future endeavors," she was quoted as saying by Nike.&nbsp;

While Nike is yet to comment on the news, Irving took to Twitter to post a video which seemingly referred to the breakdown of his deal with the company. “There’s nothing more priceless than being free," read the video caption.&nbsp;

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Notably, Irving caught himself in controversy after endorsing an anti-Semitic documentary. Irving posted the video when Nike was gearing up to launch the latest addition to his sneaker line.&nbsp;

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism. To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8,” Nike said in a statement at the time.&nbsp;

“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone," it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nike-severs-ties-with-kyrie-irving-cancels-next-shoe-launch-531416">Read more:&nbsp;Nike severs ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism controversy, cancels shoe launch</a>

Consequently, Brooklyn Nets suspended Irving for eight games and docked his pay as well. He was only brought back into the starting lineup on November 20.&nbsp;

After the controversy snowballed, Irving apologised to those "hurt from the hateful sentiments stated in the documentary" in a post on Instagram.&nbsp;

"I'm not anti-Semitic," Irving said. "I never have been. I don't have hate in my heart for the Jewish people or anyone that identifies as a Jew. I'm not anti-Jewish or any of that."

Shoe&nbsp;deals are&nbsp;big in NBA. In normal circumstances, a sneaker-free agent like Irving would have been snapped up quickly by rival companies. However, given the nature of his offence, most big players are expected to not step in until the controversy has completely died down.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than a month after Nike suspended its deal with Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving, the company has officially ended the relationship. Irving's agent Shetellia Riley Irving informed that the basketballer was no longer under contract with the footwear giant after being associated with it since 2014.

More than a month after Nike suspended its deal with Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving, the company has officially ended the relationship. Irving's agent Shetellia Riley Irving informed that the basketballer was no longer under contract with the footwear giant after being associated with it since 2014. “We have mutually decided to part ways and wish Nike the best in their future endeavors," she was quoted as saying by Nike. While Nike is yet to comment on the news, Irving took to Twitter to post a video which seemingly referred to the breakdown of his deal with the company. “There’s nothing more priceless than being free," read the video caption. pic.twitter.com/XwLDw6nhmS — Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022 × Notably, Irving caught himself in controversy after endorsing an anti-Semitic documentary. Irving posted the video when Nike was gearing up to launch the latest addition to his sneaker line. “At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism. To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8,” Nike said in a statement at the time. “We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone," it added. Read more: Nike severs ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism controversy, cancels shoe launch Consequently, Brooklyn Nets suspended Irving for eight games and docked his pay as well. He was only brought back into the starting lineup on November 20. After the controversy snowballed, Irving apologised to those "hurt from the hateful sentiments stated in the documentary" in a post on Instagram. "I'm not anti-Semitic," Irving said. "I never have been. I don't have hate in my heart for the Jewish people or anyone that identifies as a Jew. I'm not anti-Jewish or any of that." Shoe deals are big in NBA. In normal circumstances, a sneaker-free agent like Irving would have been snapped up quickly by rival companies. However, given the nature of his offence, most big players are expected to not step in until the controversy has completely died down. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nike officially severs ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism controversy

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he met with Kyrie Irving earlier this week and that he did not believe the Brooklyn Nets guard was anti-Semitic, Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday. Irving was heavily criticized for promoting a film that the seven-time All-Star has since said contained "false anti-Semitic statements".

The Nets suspended him for at least five games after he "refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs". Irving later apologized to those "hurt from the hateful remarks made in the documentary".

"Based on what he said directly, to me (I) have no doubt that he's not anti-Semitic but I think there's a process that he's going to now need to go through," Silver said in Washington on Thursday, according to the website.

Silver, who is Jewish, told the New York Times he had a "direct and candid conversation" with Irving. "He's someone I've known for a decade, and I've never heard an anti-Semitic word from him or, frankly, hate directed at any group," he said. Silver added: "Whether or not he is anti-Semitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content."

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In addition to the suspension, Brooklyn outlined a list of six requirements he had to fulfill before rejoining the team. They included apologizing, condemning the film, making a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes and completing anti-Semitism training.

Irving's former team mate LeBron James said that while he did not believe in sharing "hurtful information," Irving should be allowed to return to the court following his apology. "Help him learn - but he should be playing," James tweeted on Thursday. "What he's asked to do to get back on the floor I think is excessive IMO. He's not the person that's being portrayed of him."

If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he met with Kyrie Irving earlier this week and that he did not believe the Brooklyn Nets guard was anti-Semitic, Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he met with Kyrie Irving earlier this week and that he did not believe the Brooklyn Nets guard was anti-Semitic, Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday. Irving was heavily criticized for promoting a film that the seven-time All-Star has since said contained "false anti-Semitic statements". The Nets suspended him for at least five games after he "refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs". Irving later apologized to those "hurt from the hateful remarks made in the documentary". "Based on what he said directly, to me (I) have no doubt that he's not anti-Semitic but I think there's a process that he's going to now need to go through," Silver said in Washington on Thursday, according to the website. Silver, who is Jewish, told the New York Times he had a "direct and candid conversation" with Irving. "He's someone I've known for a decade, and I've never heard an anti-Semitic word from him or, frankly, hate directed at any group," he said. Silver added: "Whether or not he is anti-Semitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content." ALSO READ | Women's Rugby World Cup: Dominant England prepare to face New Zealand in sold-out final In addition to the suspension, Brooklyn outlined a list of six requirements he had to fulfill before rejoining the team. They included apologizing, condemning the film, making a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes and completing anti-Semitism training. Irving's former team mate LeBron James said that while he did not believe in sharing "hurtful information," Irving should be allowed to return to the court following his apology. "Help him learn - but he should be playing," James tweeted on Thursday. "What he's asked to do to get back on the floor I think is excessive IMO. He's not the person that's being portrayed of him." If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving not anti-Semitic, says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

The&nbsp;Brooklyn&nbsp;Nets&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;star guard Kyrie Irving for at least five games, saying that despite holding a second press conference to address a controversial documentary he had still refused to disavow&nbsp;anti-Semitism. Irving has faced heavy criticism since posting a link to the 2018 film on Twitter last week and initially defended doing so during a contentious post-game news conference over the weekend.

The seven-time All Star has since deleted the Twitter post and in a press conference earlier on Thursday said he meant no harm. Irving took "responsibility" for posting the link but did not specifically denounce the film or its message, which civil rights activists have called&nbsp;anti-Semitic. "We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no&nbsp;anti-Semitic&nbsp;beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film," the&nbsp;Nets&nbsp;said in a statement announcing his suspension.

The suspension comes at a fraught moment for Jews in the United States, as the FBI warned on Thursday there was a credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey, a state that lies just across the harbor from the New York City borough of&nbsp;Brooklyn, one of the most Jewish places in the world. The controversy follows another generated by Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who was&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;by social media platforms last month for posts that online users condemned as&nbsp;anti-Semitic.

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The team said Irving would be&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;until he undergoes a series of unspecified "remedial measures," but no less than five games. The&nbsp;Nets' next game is on Friday night against the Wizards in Washington. If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Irving issued a joint statement with the&nbsp;Nets&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, saying he opposed all forms of hatred. He and the&nbsp;Nets&nbsp;said they would each donate $500,000 toward organizations that work to eradicate hate. The National Basketball Association and union representing its&nbsp;players have also issued statements condemning hate speech. Neither the&nbsp;players union nor Irving's agent immediately responded to request for comment on Thursday night.

"Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive&nbsp;anti-Semitic&nbsp;material," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in his statement on Thursday. Irving's social media posts are not the first time that he has courted controversy in the NBA. He played in just 29 of the&nbsp;Nets' 82 regular season games for the 2021-22 season after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine despite a mandate by the city of New York. While not specifically mentioning the issues with Irving, the&nbsp;Nets&nbsp;parted ways with head coach Steve Nash on Tuesday after a disappointing start to their season.

The Brooklyn Nets on Thursday suspended star guard Kyrie Irving for at least five games, saying that despite holding a second press conference to address a controversial documentary he had still refused to disavow anti-Semitism.

The Brooklyn Nets on Thursday suspended star guard Kyrie Irving for at least five games, saying that despite holding a second press conference to address a controversial documentary he had still refused to disavow anti-Semitism. Irving has faced heavy criticism since posting a link to the 2018 film on Twitter last week and initially defended doing so during a contentious post-game news conference over the weekend. The seven-time All Star has since deleted the Twitter post and in a press conference earlier on Thursday said he meant no harm. Irving took "responsibility" for posting the link but did not specifically denounce the film or its message, which civil rights activists have called anti-Semitic. "We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film," the Nets said in a statement announcing his suspension. The suspension comes at a fraught moment for Jews in the United States, as the FBI warned on Thursday there was a credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey, a state that lies just across the harbor from the New York City borough of Brooklyn, one of the most Jewish places in the world. The controversy follows another generated by Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who was suspended by social media platforms last month for posts that online users condemned as anti-Semitic. ALSO READ | Barcelona's Pique to retire, will play last home game on Saturday The team said Irving would be suspended until he undergoes a series of unspecified "remedial measures," but no less than five games. The Nets' next game is on Friday night against the Wizards in Washington. If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles. Irving issued a joint statement with the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, saying he opposed all forms of hatred. He and the Nets said they would each donate $500,000 toward organizations that work to eradicate hate. The National Basketball Association and union representing its players have also issued statements condemning hate speech. Neither the players union nor Irving's agent immediately responded to request for comment on Thursday night. "Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive anti-Semitic material," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in his statement on Thursday. Irving's social media posts are not the first time that he has courted controversy in the NBA. He played in just 29 of the Nets' 82 regular season games for the 2021-22 season after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine despite a mandate by the city of New York. While not specifically mentioning the issues with Irving, the Nets parted ways with head coach Steve Nash on Tuesday after a disappointing start to their season.

Brooklyn Nets suspend Kyrie Irving after star guard refuses to disavow anti-Semitism

All-Star forward Kevin Durant is set to stay with the Brooklyn Nets after a meeting with head coach Steve Nash and the franchise's owners, the team announced on Tuesday.

Durant, a two-times NBA champion and twice Finals MVP, had requested a trade at the end of June before free agency, with the 12-times All-Star linked to teams such as the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors.

"Steve Nash and I, together with (Nets co-owners) Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, met with Kevin Durant and (his manager) Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles yesterday," Nets General Manager Sean Marks said in a statement.

"We have agreed to move forward with our partnership. We are focusing on basketball, with one collective goal in mind: build a lasting franchise to bring a championship to Brooklyn."

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Last year, Durant had signed a four-year, $198 million extension that begins this season. He was sixth on the list of the world's highest-paid athletes over the last year according to Forbes, earning $92 million in total earnings.

He averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 55 games last season.

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Durant had joined Brooklyn as a free agent in 2019 alongside Kyrie Irving in a bid to form a championship winning team along with James Harden, who was later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that brought Ben Simmons to the Nets. 
&nbsp;

All-Star forward Kevin Durant is set to stay with the Brooklyn Nets after a meeting with head coach Steve Nash and the franchise's owners, the team announced on Tuesday.

All-Star forward Kevin Durant is set to stay with the Brooklyn Nets after a meeting with head coach Steve Nash and the franchise's owners, the team announced on Tuesday. Durant, a two-times NBA champion and twice Finals MVP, had requested a trade at the end of June before free agency, with the 12-times All-Star linked to teams such as the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors. "Steve Nash and I, together with (Nets co-owners) Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, met with Kevin Durant and (his manager) Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles yesterday," Nets General Manager Sean Marks said in a statement. "We have agreed to move forward with our partnership. We are focusing on basketball, with one collective goal in mind: build a lasting franchise to bring a championship to Brooklyn." Also Read: US disapproves of Dennis Rodman's planned rescue mission for basketball star Brittney Griner Last year, Durant had signed a four-year, $198 million extension that begins this season. He was sixth on the list of the world's highest-paid athletes over the last year according to Forbes, earning $92 million in total earnings. He averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 55 games last season. Also Read: Pakistan Army to assist Qatar wth security during FIFA World Cup 2022 Durant had joined Brooklyn as a free agent in 2019 alongside Kyrie Irving in a bid to form a championship winning team along with James Harden, who was later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that brought Ben Simmons to the Nets.

Kevin Durant drops trade demand, set to stay with Brooklyn Nets after meeting with owners and Steve Nash

Kyrie Irving, the NBA star who has been indefinitely barred from practicing or playing with the Brooklyn Nets because of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, spoke out publicly Wednesday night for the first time since the team decided to keep him off the court, saying his refusal was a matter of personal freedom.

"You think I really want to lose money?"&nbsp;Irving, who is set to make about $40 million this season, said on his Instagram feed in a meandering monologue that had incorrect medical information. More than 90% of players in the league are vaccinated, a proportion much higher than in the general population of the United States.

"You think I really want to give up on my dream to go after a championship?"&nbsp;Irving, 29, said. "You think I really just want to give up my job? You think I really want to sit at home?"

On Tuesday, the Nets said they had barred Irving from playing until he becomes "eligible to be a full participant." New York City requires most teenagers and adults to have at least one vaccination shot to enter facilities such as sports arenas, and Irving has not practiced with the Nets in Brooklyn. Irving joined the Nets in 2019 as they built a team of superstars that include Kevin Durant and James Harden.

Irving asked that his decision to remain unvaccinated be respected and said that he has no plans to retire. He couched his refusal to get vaccinated in his opposition to mandates, saying nobody should be “forced” to do it.

Irving falsely claimed his decision to remain unvaccinated does not harm other people. The highly contagious delta variant has quickly spread in areas with low vaccination rates. And hospitals in those areas have been overrun with unvaccinated patients, leaving few beds and staff members to treat other patients.

Kyrie Irving, the NBA star who has been indefinitely barred from practicing or playing with the Brooklyn Nets because of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, spoke out publicly Wednesday night for the first time since the team decided to keep him off the court, saying his refusal was a matter of personal freedom.

Kyrie Irving, the NBA star who has been indefinitely barred from practicing or playing with the Brooklyn Nets because of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, spoke out publicly Wednesday night for the first time since the team decided to keep him off the court, saying his refusal was a matter of personal freedom. "You think I really want to lose money?" Irving, who is set to make about $40 million this season, said on his Instagram feed in a meandering monologue that had incorrect medical information. More than 90% of players in the league are vaccinated, a proportion much higher than in the general population of the United States. "You think I really want to give up on my dream to go after a championship?" Irving, 29, said. "You think I really just want to give up my job? You think I really want to sit at home?" On Tuesday, the Nets said they had barred Irving from playing until he becomes "eligible to be a full participant." New York City requires most teenagers and adults to have at least one vaccination shot to enter facilities such as sports arenas, and Irving has not practiced with the Nets in Brooklyn. Irving joined the Nets in 2019 as they built a team of superstars that include Kevin Durant and James Harden. Irving asked that his decision to remain unvaccinated be respected and said that he has no plans to retire. He couched his refusal to get vaccinated in his opposition to mandates, saying nobody should be “forced” to do it. Irving falsely claimed his decision to remain unvaccinated does not harm other people. The highly contagious delta variant has quickly spread in areas with low vaccination rates. And hospitals in those areas have been overrun with unvaccinated patients, leaving few beds and staff members to treat other patients.

Kyrie Irving defends his decision not to get vaccinated

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday.

Harden, playing his second game for Brooklyn since arriving in a blockbuster trade, added 12 assists.

Durant added six assists and nine rebounds as the Nets held off two-time defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a clash of Eastern Conference powers.

Antetokounmpo scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 25 points -- but couldn't get a potential game-winning three-pointer to drop in the final second.

"That's a huge win for us," Harden said. "Not having a chance to practice, just going on the fly, we beat a really good Bucks team."

In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Nets trailed 122-123 when Harden missed a three-pointer but managed to corral the rebound and get the ball to Durant, who drained a three-pointer to put Brooklyn up 125-123 with 36.8 seconds remaining.

After Middleton missed a three-point attempt, Durant turned the ball over to give the Bucks one more chance, but Middleton missed again.

"It's a rejuvenation," Harden said of arriving in Brooklyn, who were without star guard Kyrie Irving for a seventh straight game. "This organization, the Brooklyn Nets, has welcomed me with open arms.

The game at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena was one of the marquee match-ups on the NBA's holiday slate honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Across town at Madison Square Garden, Julius Randle scored seven of his 21 points in the final 93 seconds as the New York Knicks held off Orlando 91-84.

Randle shot only 5-of-19 from the floor but added 17 rebounds, while R.J. Barrett had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Knicks, who ripped Boston on Sunday, won on consecutive days for the first time in 41 tries over more than three years.

"Back-to-back is always tough for us," Randle said. "We had the lead the whole game, played well. They made a run. Stayed together.

"I couldn't throw a rock in the ocean but we got it done. It's a great win for us."

The Knicks led 19-13 after the first quarter and boosted the margin as high as 14 points early in the fourth. The Magic made a late charge but came up short in their sixth straight defeat.

<h2>- Hawks wear King jerseys -</h2>

In King's hometown, the Atlanta Hawks debuted special black jerseys with the initials MLK on the front in a 108-97 victory over visiting Minnesota.

The Hawks, who had lost six of their prior seven games, improved to 6-7 despite 24 turnovers, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-9 with their ninth loss in 10 games.

D'Angelo Russell scored 25 points to lead the Hawks, while Clint Capela added 23 points and 15 rebounds and Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists for Atlanta.

De'Andre Hunter scored a game-high 31 points for the T-Wolves.

San Antonio rolled to a 125-104 victory at Portland behind 22 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, 20 points and 11 assists from DeMar DeRozan and 21 points each off the bench for Patty Mills and Rudy Gay.

The Miami Heat, missing Jimmy Butler due to Covid-19 safety protocols and Tyler Herro to neck spasms, bounced back from a 20-point loss to Detroit on Saturday with a 113-107 victory over the same Pistons team.

The Heat trailed the Pistons by 19 early, but unlike on Saturday, they were able to battle back with 28 points and 11 rebounds from Bam Adebayo, 22 points from guard Goran Dragic and 18 from Duncan Robinson.

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday.

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday. Harden, playing his second game for Brooklyn since arriving in a blockbuster trade, added 12 assists. Durant added six assists and nine rebounds as the Nets held off two-time defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a clash of Eastern Conference powers. Antetokounmpo scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 25 points -- but couldn't get a potential game-winning three-pointer to drop in the final second. "That's a huge win for us," Harden said. "Not having a chance to practice, just going on the fly, we beat a really good Bucks team." In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Nets trailed 122-123 when Harden missed a three-pointer but managed to corral the rebound and get the ball to Durant, who drained a three-pointer to put Brooklyn up 125-123 with 36.8 seconds remaining. After Middleton missed a three-point attempt, Durant turned the ball over to give the Bucks one more chance, but Middleton missed again. "It's a rejuvenation," Harden said of arriving in Brooklyn, who were without star guard Kyrie Irving for a seventh straight game. "This organization, the Brooklyn Nets, has welcomed me with open arms. The game at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena was one of the marquee match-ups on the NBA's holiday slate honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. Across town at Madison Square Garden, Julius Randle scored seven of his 21 points in the final 93 seconds as the New York Knicks held off Orlando 91-84. Randle shot only 5-of-19 from the floor but added 17 rebounds, while R.J. Barrett had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Knicks, who ripped Boston on Sunday, won on consecutive days for the first time in 41 tries over more than three years. "Back-to-back is always tough for us," Randle said. "We had the lead the whole game, played well. They made a run. Stayed together. "I couldn't throw a rock in the ocean but we got it done. It's a great win for us." The Knicks led 19-13 after the first quarter and boosted the margin as high as 14 points early in the fourth. The Magic made a late charge but came up short in their sixth straight defeat. - Hawks wear King jerseys - In King's hometown, the Atlanta Hawks debuted special black jerseys with the initials MLK on the front in a 108-97 victory over visiting Minnesota. The Hawks, who had lost six of their prior seven games, improved to 6-7 despite 24 turnovers, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-9 with their ninth loss in 10 games. D'Angelo Russell scored 25 points to lead the Hawks, while Clint Capela added 23 points and 15 rebounds and Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists for Atlanta. De'Andre Hunter scored a game-high 31 points for the T-Wolves. San Antonio rolled to a 125-104 victory at Portland behind 22 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, 20 points and 11 assists from DeMar DeRozan and 21 points each off the bench for Patty Mills and Rudy Gay. The Miami Heat, missing Jimmy Butler due to Covid-19 safety protocols and Tyler Herro to neck spasms, bounced back from a 20-point loss to Detroit on Saturday with a 113-107 victory over the same Pistons team. The Heat trailed the Pistons by 19 early, but unlike on Saturday, they were able to battle back with 28 points and 11 rebounds from Bam Adebayo, 22 points from guard Goran Dragic and 18 from Duncan Robinson.

Harden, Durant lead Nets past Bucks, Randle the hero for Knicks

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday.

ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant.

The 31-year-old played alongside Durant for three seasons in Oklahoma City between 2009 and 2012.

ESPN reported that the complex deal also involved the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In exchange for Harden, Houston received multiple players and draft picks as well as guard Caris LeVert.&nbsp;

LeVert was traded immediately to the Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo.

There was no immediate confirmation of the deal by Houston or Brooklyn.

Harden's move raises the prospect of the Nets emerging as a new super team, with the unhappy Rockets ace joining forces with Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Harden's exit from the Rockets had loomed ever closer, with team-mates complaining of his attitude in the locker room.

On Tuesday, Harden had lashed out after the Rockets were thumped 117-100 at home by the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed."

Team-mate John Wall, who arrived in Houston this year from the Washington Wizards, accused Harden of not being committed to the team.

"When you have certain guys that don't want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall.

On Wednesday, Harden was barred from team practice following his outburst.&nbsp;

"We felt it was best for James and best for the group for him not to be at practice," Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters on a video call.

Silas said Harden's criticisms had been "hard to hear."

"Especially when you don't believe it and you know it not to be true," he said.

The Rockets' DeMarcus Cousins meanwhile accused Harden of being "disrespectful" to the Houston locker room.&nbsp;

"Will he ever need to play with us again? I don't know, quite honestly don't care," Cousins said.&nbsp;

"He can feel however he wants to feel with the organization but the other 14 guys in the locker room have done nothing to him.

"So for us to be on the receiving end of some of the disrespectful comments &amp; antics, it's completely unfair to us."

Harden, an eight-time NBA All-Star and a prolific scorer, joined Houston in 2012 after starting his career in Oklahoma City.

However he was unable to guide the Rockets to an NBA Championship during that time, and instead suffered a string of playoff disappointments, with Houston failing to make the NBA finals once in eight straight playoff appearances.

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant.

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant. The 31-year-old played alongside Durant for three seasons in Oklahoma City between 2009 and 2012. ESPN reported that the complex deal also involved the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange for Harden, Houston received multiple players and draft picks as well as guard Caris LeVert. LeVert was traded immediately to the Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo. There was no immediate confirmation of the deal by Houston or Brooklyn. Harden's move raises the prospect of the Nets emerging as a new super team, with the unhappy Rockets ace joining forces with Durant and Kyrie Irving. Harden's exit from the Rockets had loomed ever closer, with team-mates complaining of his attitude in the locker room. On Tuesday, Harden had lashed out after the Rockets were thumped 117-100 at home by the Los Angeles Lakers. "I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed." Team-mate John Wall, who arrived in Houston this year from the Washington Wizards, accused Harden of not being committed to the team. "When you have certain guys that don't want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall. On Wednesday, Harden was barred from team practice following his outburst. "We felt it was best for James and best for the group for him not to be at practice," Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters on a video call. Silas said Harden's criticisms had been "hard to hear." "Especially when you don't believe it and you know it not to be true," he said. The Rockets' DeMarcus Cousins meanwhile accused Harden of being "disrespectful" to the Houston locker room. "Will he ever need to play with us again? I don't know, quite honestly don't care," Cousins said. "He can feel however he wants to feel with the organization but the other 14 guys in the locker room have done nothing to him. "So for us to be on the receiving end of some of the disrespectful comments & antics, it's completely unfair to us." Harden, an eight-time NBA All-Star and a prolific scorer, joined Houston in 2012 after starting his career in Oklahoma City. However he was unable to guide the Rockets to an NBA Championship during that time, and instead suffered a string of playoff disappointments, with Houston failing to make the NBA finals once in eight straight playoff appearances.

James Harden joining Brooklyn Nets in blockbuster deal: reports

NBA Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant has tested positive for coronavirus, reports said.

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A statement from the Brooklyn Nets: <a href="https://t.co/QnETcDEHCJ">pic.twitter.com/QnETcDEHCJ</a>
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1240025089862705159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a statement, the Nets said that four players have tested positive for COVID-19.

"Of the four, one player is exhibiting symptoms while three are asymptomatic," it said.

All players have presently been isolated and under the care of team doctors. Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive from the virus which led the NBA to call off all matches.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-wish-could-have-taken-this-thing-seriously-nba-star-rudy-gobert-cautions-fans-over-coronavirus-286705">Also Read: I wish could have taken this thing seriously, says NBA star Rudy Gobert</a>

Detroit Pistons teammates Donovan Mitchell and Christian Wood had&nbsp;also tested positive earlier.

In a statement, LA Lakers said they were in touch with Nets players after the team declared their players were infected with COVID-19.

"Given the exposure risks from our game against the Nets on March 10th we are following the next steps of our COVID-19 procedures and protocols that are established in consultation with various health officials, the NBA and our UCLA Health doctors," the Lakers said.&nbsp;

NBA Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant has tested positive for coronavirus, reports said. A statement from the Brooklyn Nets: pic.twitter.com/QnETcDEHCJ — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 17, 2020 × In a statement, the Nets said that four players have tested positive for COVID-19.

NBA Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant has tested positive for coronavirus, reports said. A statement from the Brooklyn Nets: pic.twitter.com/QnETcDEHCJ — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 17, 2020 × In a statement, the Nets said that four players have tested positive for COVID-19. "Of the four, one player is exhibiting symptoms while three are asymptomatic," it said. All players have presently been isolated and under the care of team doctors. Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive from the virus which led the NBA to call off all matches. Also Read: I wish could have taken this thing seriously, says NBA star Rudy Gobert Detroit Pistons teammates Donovan Mitchell and Christian Wood had also tested positive earlier. In a statement, LA Lakers said they were in touch with Nets players after the team declared their players were infected with COVID-19. "Given the exposure risks from our game against the Nets on March 10th we are following the next steps of our COVID-19 procedures and protocols that are established in consultation with various health officials, the NBA and our UCLA Health doctors," the Lakers said.

NBA Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant tests positive for coronavirus: Report

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