Brooklyn Nets will look to improve their roster after their disappointing first-round exit a few weeks back. A major storyline for them will be Kyrie Irving and his expected decision to remain in Brooklyn either by picking his player option ($36.5M) or signing a new deal.
Lately several reports seem to indicate the Nets could explore ways to put some kind of insurance policy on Irving’s situation after missing most of the season due to his decision to not get vaccinated.
According to recent rumors from Ian Begley of SNY, Kyrie Irving’s future with the team may be in danger. He reported that “opposing teams believe the club will be open to exploring trades of Irving.”
Irving only appeared in 29 games for the Nets this past season, posting averages of 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46.9% shooting from the field and 41.8% shooting from deep.
Begley’s report comes one day after Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reported Irving’s “personal decision not to get vaccinated and unpredictable injury history have left the Nets hesitant, and now, according to a source familiar with the Nets’ thought process, outright unwilling to give him a long-term extension.” (h/t Bleacher Report).
Earlier this month, general manager Sean Marks responded to a question about how committed the team was to the point guard. In any case, the Nets did not look as surefire contenders with Irving on the team.
“We’re looking for guys that want to come here and be part of something bigger than themselves. Play selfless, play team basketball and be available and that goes not only for Kyrie but for everybody here,” Marks said.
Irving’s availability was a big issue through his three seasons in Brooklyn. He appeared in 20 games during the 2019-20 season, 54 in 2020-21 and 29 during the past year. Yet, the star guard does not plan going anywhere, as he said during the season ending media interview.
“In terms of my extension, man, I don’t really plan on going anywhere,” Irving said. “When I say I’m here with Kev, I think that it really entails us managing this franchise together alongside Joe (Tsai, the owner) and Sean (Marks, the GM).”
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