With all the Kyrie Irving chatter, most assumed it was already a given that he was leaving the Brooklyn Nets. Rumors and reports of his departure went viral this week, and even Kevin Durant couldn’t keep his name out of the trade scenarios.
So when Irving officially announced that he was opting into his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season, it sent shock waves throughout the community. After everything, it seems Uncle Drew will be returning to Brooklyn after all.
(via Shams Charania):
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is opting into his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season, @TheAthletic @Stadium has learned. Irving is bypassing on multiple opt-in and trade scenarios to fulfill his four-year commitment to the Nets and Kevin Durant.
Kyrie Irving: “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall. A11even.”
Kyrie Irving: “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall. A11even.” https://t.co/rpiS8YkSZI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2022
The Nets have been in the news all day thanks to Kyrie. Obviously, the guy was trying to twist Brooklyn into giving him a max contract, but the team did not fold and stood their ground. Now, it’s up to Uncle Drew to prove he can still be counted on to perform his duties on the court.
Where this leaves the Nets going forward, though, remains to be seen. Irving opted in, but it does not guarantee that he will stick around for the long haul, nor does it mean that Kevin Durant is completely secure with the franchise either.
Over the next few days and weeks, the Nets will be exploring many different ways to move forward. They will consider all options. But for a little while longer, they will continue to be a powerhouse team in the East with the chance to make basketball history.
