Kyrie Irving has endured another long and tough season with the Brooklyn Nets. He could not help his team go further than round one of the playoffs where the Boston Celtics defeated them. Kyrie was one of the best performers for them this season as he averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Considering the lack of touch he had this season for the ball, he did quite well.
It is safe to say that wherever Kyrie goes, there’s drama. He had decided to not go ahead with the mandatory vaccination requirements for COVID-19. Due to the law in New York that stated that it was a must, Kyrie could not play for the Nets in the home games for the 2021-22 season. This coming season, there is a new problem for him to worry about. His contract situation with the Nets has proven to be a bigger headache than he initially thought.
Kyrie signed a 4-year contract with the Nets for about $136m. He was also expecting to receive an average salary of a little more than $34m. Currently, he holds $36.9m as he enters the final year of his contract. However, he can opt-out and receive a bigger amount if he wants to. We’re still yet to find out if he will affect the friendship with Kevin Durant for a bigger paycheck.
Kyrie Irving & Nets’ story may end as interest from other franchises grows
Despite having a rocky journey with the Nets, Kyrie has done his thing throughout. Reports mention that there has not been any improvement in the contract situation of Kyrie as the Nets are not looking to extend their partnership with one of their star players. There is interest from the other NBA teams including the Lakers, Knicks, and Clippers, reports say. Kyrie reuniting with his old teammate LeBron James is something that we all wish to see.
Last May, the GM of the Nets Sean Marks had some words to say that surprised many. He mentioned, “he has to look at what he’s gonna do with his player option.. and we know what we’re looking for. We want guys that want to come in here and be part of something bigger than themselves”.
Brooklyn Nets Gm Sean Marks talks about Kyrie Irving Extension #Netsworld pic.twitter.com/fDsFtWkVvb
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) May 11, 2022
Day by day, the chance of the 30-year-old leaving seems to be increasing. Nets are reportedly starting to feel he is not committed, together with the vaccination situation that Irving had. It will be interesting to see where he is headed with his exceptional handles.
