So far this season, the Nets are still the best competitive team in the league, of which Durant can still play the regular season MVP level season, and James Harden has gradually adapted to the rules and found his form.
But for the current Nets, Kyrie Irving's absence will still be a problem, at least if the team wants to win the championship trophy this season, they will need Irving's comeback or put Irving on the shelf and return to the player who makes the team better.
Given that Irving is unlikely to change his vaccine stance, and the estimates in front of the Nets are only the option of putting Irving on the shelves, the question is how can the Nets facilitate the deal involving Irving? The advice given by the US media Kenneth Tip is that the Nets can promote the transaction involving Irving with the Clippers:
Clippers got: Kyrie Irving
Nets: Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard, Keow Johnson, 2022 second-round picks, 2023 second-round picks, 2024 second-round picks, 2028 first-round picks (unprotected)
This is undoubtedly a very heavy deal for the Nets and Clippers, and Irving was able to solve the vaccine problem and play for the Clippers immediately after being sent to the Clippers through this deal.
Given that Irving is unlikely to change his vaccination stance anytime soon, it makes sense for the Nets to put him on the shelves and swap back players who can help Durant and Harden. In this deal, the Nets can get players such as Bledsoe, Kennard and Johnson, even if these players are not Irving's level players, but their addition is enough to make the Nets a team with better lineup depth.
Not to mention, the Nets will also get four future draft picks in this deal, including an unprotected first-round pick in 2028. After getting those draft picks, the Nets could even try to keep pushing for some trades and give the team a better roster.
If the Nets want to send Irving, the deal with the Clippers is still a very good idea.