Prior to the 2021-22 NBA season, it was a foregone conclusion that superstar guard Kyrie Irving would be with the Brooklyn Nets for years to come. Now? Not so much.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Irving and Nets have reached an “impasse” in talks about his future with the franchise. As a result, the 30-year-old is now expected to test the open market during the offseason.
Irving has a $36.9 million player option for next season but is yet to make a decision on it. The seven-time All-Star previously reiterated his willingness to remain in Brooklyn on several occasions, but it now seems his plans have changed.
“I don’t really plan on going anywhere,” said Irving when asked about his future following a first-round playoff exit against the Boston Celtics.
If Kyrie Irving indeed becomes available, there are several teams mentioned as contenders for his signature. The list includes the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks, and the LA Clippers. The Lakers certainly seem like the most intriguing option as the move would reunite him with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James.
Irving played only 29 regular-season games in 2021-22. He averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting a career-high 41.8 percent behind the three-point line.
