Following lopsided events that ultimately led to a warming resolution this season, Kyrie Irving is now believed to remain as a Brooklyn Net.
Multiple executives told HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto that they view Irving to still plant himself in Brooklyn beyond this 2022-23 campaign.
As he garnered significant attention last offseason that he might exit the Nets camp, Irving opted to remain in the franchise by exercising his $36.9 million player option this season.
The team, to start the year, endured a series of controversial incidents circling around the star guard anew, most notably his promotion of Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America! and his denial of antisemitism beliefs – which forced team governor Joe Tsai and the Nets brass to slap him a suspension that lasted for seven games.
Following these unwanted events, Irving and the Nets seemed to redeem themselves. From being at the depths of controversy and hate around the NBA, they emerged glowing and went on to climb upwards of the Eastern Conference ladder in a dramatic fashion. Now, they are a fourth-seeded team in the East with a 27-16 card, thanks also to a culture-changing coaching takeover of Jacque Vaughn.
Amid past tensions, the rise of Brooklyn won’t be possible without Irving, who is averaging 25.6 points, 4.8 boards, and 4.8 assists this season. In hindsight for the Nets, it would be a risky move to extend their ties with the All-Star point man, but certain considerations could be considered before hammering a new potential deal.
