Playing or not playing, Kyrie Irving is always one of the most interesting names in the NBA, and it looks like he will continue to be like that next season as well. The talented but also incredibly problematic quarterback of the Brooklyn Nets, made the decision about his future next season when he announced that he would exercise his player option in Brooklyn worth $ 37 million.
“Ordinary people allow the world to keep going, but those who dare to be different are the ones who lead us to tomorrow. I decided I would exercise my option, see you in the fall,” Irving said.
This announcement came as a kind of surprise to many, when according to all reports from the United States, Irving was interested in reuniting with LeBron James in the Lakers, and possibly helping King James win one more championship in his career, just as they did in Cleveland.
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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2022
There was also the possibility of a “sign and past” deal, but this is a deal that no team in the league is interested in making for Kyrie, except for the Lakers, whose “no” package will interest the Nets in the trade. Another option facing Irving, who would not receive a new, long-term contract from Brooklyn, was to become a free agent and join the Lakers, who could only offer him the $ 6 million season pass.
If that wasn’t enough, Irving himself was photographed at an event he attended when asked if he wanted to remain a Brooklyn player, asking to “pass the question”. Finally, he decided to stay in the Nets alongside his friend Kevin Durant.
People “very close to the situation” believe Kyrie Irving is trying to join the Lakers, per @sam_amick
LeBron James is said to be “very open” to the possibility. pic.twitter.com/tDKQxfFMVN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2022