If the Nets refuse to trade Kyrie and just let his contract expire, he loses his Bird Rights because he would be signing with a new team. Is that correct?

I think the Nets should also just return the favor and screw over Kyrie by like whatever the difference is between the Bird Rights max and regular max by just not playing him all season. You’ll also force him to sit all season, adding to the circus.

Of course they won’t get like a first round pick from the Lakers in this case, but I don’t even think that’s a big deal. Keep in mind if they do make the trade, they also give up Joe Harris too. They can just trade Joe Harris for probably a 6+ year future late first rounder regardless to a contending team.