• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Brooklyn Is Spoiling 78% of Payroll

  • The Nets have played zero total games with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and sharpshooter Joe Harris.
  • Brooklyn is 2-7 since KD sprained his MCL, dropping from the 1-seed to the 6-seed.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

These Brooklyn Nets are probably one of the best teams ever — on paper, given how little their superstars have actually played together.

Their sixth straight loss on Wednesday — this time against the 19-34 Kings — underscores the bigger issue that can no longer be swept under the rug. 

The Nets have played zero total games with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and sharpshooter Joe Harris — the four highest-paid players on the team, who account for 78% ($137.6M) of Brooklyn’s $176 million payroll.

  • Brooklyn is 2-7 since KD sprained his MCL, dropping from the 1-seed to the 6-seed.
  • They’re now 1.5 games from falling into a play-in spot.
  • The Big Three are 13-3 in two seasons together — 2-0 this season.
  • Durant has not only carried the offense but also has the best defensive rating (108.5) on the team among players averaging at least 20 minutes.

Durant is out through the All-Star Break, Irving is a part-time player, and Harris (ankle) could miss the rest of the regular season, per Zach Lowe.

And let’s not forget James Harden, who’s reportedly unhappy in Brooklyn and scored just four points in 37 minutes last night — his fewest ever in 30+ minutes. 

The Nets can turn things around in a hurry once Durant returns, but in the meantime they’re a below-average team losing to bottom feeders. 

And though it seems counterintuitive, perhaps a lower seed would work in Brooklyn’s favor. After all, Kyrie can only play in road games.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.
Sophie Cunningham

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

Rogers Takes Control of Canada’s Top Teams in MLSE Buyout

The Canadian media giant now has an arguably unrivaled sports portfolio.
Manchester City
July 1, 2025

Manchester City Pockets $50 Million for Early Club World Cup Elimination

Saudi side Al-Hilal will bank at least $35 million in its quarterfinal run.
Myles Turner
July 1, 2025

Pacers Sour on Paying Luxury Tax and Let Myles Turner Walk

The team had seemed willing to cross the threshold for their center.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 1, 2025

Bucks Shock NBA World By Waiving Lillard’s $113M Deal, Signing Turner

Damian Lillard had two years left on his deal.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
July 1, 2025

Panthers Lock Up Stanley Cup–Winning Core With Long-Term Deals

Hours before free agency, Florida cemented terms with their essential players.
June 30, 2025

Nuggets, Rockets Make Aggressive Moves to Challenge Thunder

Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the conference semifinals.
June 30, 2025

Cohen’s $331M Mets Spiral Into June Swoon Despite Soto Surge

Frustrations rise as the high-spending Mets have lost 13 of 16 games.