The Kyrie Irving Saga Came to an End as the Nets Cave to his Demands

Posted on by Jack Marks

Star guard Kyrie Irving decided against testing real free agency this summer after failing to locate a sign-and-trade opportunity with another team. Instead, he decided to exercise his $36.5 million player option for the 2022–2023 NBA season and will join the Nets again on a contract that would serve as a one–year agreement.

Despite the fact that Lakers fans believed Kyrie would forego $30 million to join LeBron because of some strange Lakers privilege, the situation ended up being about as successful as when DeMar DeRozan initially planned to do the same thing last summer before agreeing to an $80 million contract with Chicago.

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie could accomplish that in Brooklyn and earn $36M if he wants to have a “prove it” year. To make the same argument, he didn’t have to travel to LA.

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Brooklyn Nets gives up to Kyrie Irving and his demands

But Kyrie may still be moved even though he chose to participate. It may happen if a club is prepared to trade for an expiring Kyrie and give up the $36 million worth of assets. That is now very improbable. It’s more probable that Kyrie and his team looked at the market and decided that the Nets wouldn’t be interested in signing and trading for anyone.

The Nets finally cave into Kyrie’s demands. Now the reason is unknown. Maybe it could be Kyrie’s performances or due to Kevin Durant. Keep in mind that this is the same company that in October effectively barred Kyrie from the team until he could play on a full-time basis. However, as the Nets started to win and get back into the race, they suddenly became okay with him playing on a part-time basis.

READ MORE: NBA Could Witness a LeBron James-Kyrie Irving Reunion at Cleveland Cavaliers

The matter is finally resolved, at least until Irving’s contract runs out of options next summer and he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Nets are still a top choice in the NBA for free agents looking for a chance to contend for a title. With a Big 3 consisting of Irving, Kevin Durant, and troubled but gifted forward Ben Simmons, they continue to be the favorites to win the title.