Despite what’s been reported as an impasse between player and team, rival NBA executives expect Kyrie Irving to remain with the Brooklyn Nets.
During a Thursday morning appearance on ESPN, Brian Windhorst had this to say about the developing situation between Irving and Brooklyn’s front office.
“Most of the League is reading this as a leverage play. Kyrie is trying to leverage the Nets into giving him something that he wants on a new contract,” Windhorst said on ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported the same developments Thursday morning.
In 2019, Irving joined the Nets as part of a package deal with Kevin Durant. If Irving signs his player option for the 2022-23 season, he will be owed $36.5 million with the chance to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. If he is to opt-out, he will still be eligible for a max contract, and the Nets could set up a sign and trade to move him out of Brooklyn.
If Irving is to leave, there is a chance Durant may request a trade away from the Nets, according to SB Nation.
The Knicks, Lakers, and Clippers are seen as the teams that could pry Irving away from Brooklyn if he chooses to depart despite NBA insiders suggesting otherwise.
