Kyrie Irving was one of the biggest stories of last season, considering that the Brooklyn Nets point guard spent nearly half of the season being unable to play. Irving’s decision to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 has been a matter of great debate and discussion since last season, and NYC’s vaccine mandate meant he couldn’t play all the time for the Nets. It became a huge distraction for the team as well, which culminated in a first-round sweep by the Boston Celtics.
Irving’s ideals on that front have not changed or wavered, he is still proudly unvaccinated. He recently spoke about it once again, suggesting that enforced vaccination was one of the biggest human rights violations in history. And that’s not all Irving has been in the news for, the fact that he wasn’t able to agree on a contract extension with the Nets was big news earlier in the summer. And from his latest statements, it would seem that the two are interconnected.
Kyrie Irving Claimed That Remaining Unvaccinated Is What Cost Him A $100 Million Contract Extension
Irving’s decisions on this front were a large part of the Nets’ woes last season, so, understandably, the franchise wasn’t feeling very good about the whole situation. And speaking in his media day interview, Irving explained that this was the main sticking point that stopped him and the Nets from agreeing on a contract extension.
Kyrie Irving on extending with Brooklyn: "We were supposed to have all of that figured out before training camp last summer."
Says he and the Nets couldn't come to an agreement because of his vaccination status.
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
“Kyrie Irving on extending with Brooklyn: ‘We were supposed to have all of that figured out before training camp last summer.’ Says he and the Nets couldn’t come to an agreement because of his vaccination status.”
Irving also specified the amount that he left on the table, suggesting that it was a long-term deal that would have netted him $100 million.
Kyrie Irving: "I gave up 4 years, 100-something million to be unvaccinated."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
“I gave up 4 years, 100-something million to be unvaccinated.”
Considering Kyrie’s eccentric nature and the seriousness surrounding this issue, it’s apparent why it became a sore subject for the Nets franchise. Even now, Irving’s stance is far from the popular one, and it continues to alienate a lot of NBA fans in the United States and around the world.
Ultimately, what matters in basketball terms is that Irving is around for at least another season. With Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons also sounding fully committed, there is no reason that the Nets cannot make a serious run for the NBA championship. And if they win, who knows what the future holds for the team and Kyrie’s relationship?
