New York (AFP)

The contract extensions of the two stars James Harden and Kyrie Irving with the Nets are on track, said Tuesday Sean Marks, general manager of the NBA franchise, citing "positive discussions".

“We had very positive discussions with them. We are looking forward to sitting down with them over the next two weeks to deepen them. These guys know exactly what we want and they have expressed their willingness to be a part of and be a part of this project. building together. I think we have the opportunity to do something big here in the near future, "the leader said at a press conference.

These two players, along with Kevin Durant, made up the most formidable "big3" in the North American Basketball League since last season, but they were regularly injured.

To the point of missing some crucial games in the play-offs, especially against the Milwaukee Bucks, future champions and who eliminated them (4-3) in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Harden and Irving could respectively extend their contracts for three and four more seasons, which would tie them with Brooklyn until 2026.

In the meantime, Marks has assured that they are both "ready to start" the 2021-2022 season, which begins in a month.

“From what we've seen, they look in great shape. The way we're going to do it with all of our guys, not just James and Kyrie, will be a long journey. It's a marathon, not a sprint. . "

After the failure of last season, the Nets want "to be the last team that will remain standing," warned the leader.

"There are probably six, eight or ten teams who have the same goal. For us, it's about embracing it and not hiding it. We want to do whatever we can to try to achieve it. this goal."

For their quest for the title, the Nets have strengthened with the recruitments of three veterans: Australian back Patty Mills (33, ex-San Antonio) and wingers Paul Millsap (36, ex-Denver) and James Johnson ( 34 years old, ex-New Orleans).

"We have brought in three experienced players with high IQs and strong character, which is always very positive," said coach Steve Nash, who repeated it: "We are here to win a championship, we know it ".

© 2021 AFP