NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
There were many talks regarding a potential move for Kyrie Irving away from the Brooklyn Nets, but Irving opted in on his player option.
Kyrie Irving shocked the entire world after opting into his player option with the Brooklyn Nets. Throughout the last couple of weeks, there have been talks regarding a move away from Brooklyn for Irving.
The Nets didn’t want to offer him a max contract, which is why he looked to sign with another team. However, only the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as a potential suitor for Kyrie.
There was a reunion with LeBron James on the cards, but Irving decided to take it back with the Nets and Kevin Durant. Lakers fans were once again left disappointed as they had started dreaming about a championship roster spearheaded by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis.
Shams Charania of the Atheltic was the first to break out the news of Kyrie opting into his player option. It sent a sensation around the league, as not many saw it coming.
Shams wrote, “Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is opting into his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season… Irving is bypassing on multiple opt-in and trade scenarios to fulfill his four-year commitment to the Nets and Kevin Durant.”
Once again, Kyrie Irving was in the spotlight, just like his whole career. Everyone was planning to see Kyrie and KD on different teams next season. It could have changed the entire trajectory of the league next season. Instead, due to Kyrie’s decision, the situation will be pretty similar to what it was last season.
After choosing to opt-in, Kyrie said, “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt-in. See you in the fall. A11even.”
Everyone was preparing to see Kyrie Irving on the Lakers. ESPN’s Adrain Wojnarowski also reported that the Lakers were close to getting Irving, and they were the only team that was pushing to get him.
Woj said, “ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages.”
Even the best journalists were tricked by Kyrie Irving. He is a magician not only on the court but off the court also. The fans in Brooklyn will be delighted to see their team stay together.
The Brooklyn Nets will again be a championship contender next season. We’ll finally get to see Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons together on the court. It will be a scary sight for the rest of the teams, and they will be unhappy with the decision of Kyrie Irving to return to Brooklyn.
Hopefully, they’ll stay healthy and make a run toward the championship. The Nets have been very unlucky over the past two seasons, and maybe this time around they’ll be lucky.
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