Back in 2019, Kyrie Irving made the big decision to join the Brooklyn Nets. At the time, it was a move that many believed would result in multiple championships.
Now, three years later, Irving may have played his last game for the franchise with practically nothing to show for it.
According to a new report, Irving could be on the trade block this summer if he fails to reach an agreement on a new contract.
(via SNY):
In his remarks to the media, Marks has also declined to fully commit to signing Kyrie Irving to another contract. Irving, who has a player option for the 2022-23 season, has said several times that he wants to remain with the Nets. I think Marks is being cautious with his public comments because he’d previously said Irving, former Net James Harden and current Net Kevin Durant would all be signed to extensions prior to the 2021-22 season.
But Marks didn’t hold back when he was asked about the importance of Irving’s availability moving forward. This has led to speculation among some opposing teams about Irving’s future with the Nets.
The New York Daily News reported on Wednesday that the Nets were unwilling to offer Irving a long-term contract. SNY has not independently confirmed that report. But if Irving opts out and the Nets have trouble finding common ground with the seven-time All-Star, opposing teams believe the club will be open to exploring trades of Irving.
It makes sense for Brooklyn to keep all of its options open on Irving and all other players on the roster outside of Durant.
Kyrie came to Brooklyn with Kevin Durant, and the pair have juggled great expectations ever since. Unfortunately, despite their combined talent, they have failed to make any traction in the postseason, most recently falling to the Boston Celtics in a first-round sweep.
With the team reeling, it seems their future has fallen under doubt and Irving could end up being the first domino to fall. It was him, after all, who missed more than half the season and failed to show up when it mattered the most.
