One of the biggest backstories heading into free agency is the potential landing spot of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.
The Boston Celtics are operating under the belief that Irving will leave in free agency with the Brooklyn Nets being seen as his likely landing spot.
However, the Nets might be having second thoughts given the drama-filled 2018-19 campaign surrounding Irving and the Celtics.
Out west, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Irving. It would be a shock to see him team up with former teammate LeBron James. But stranger things have happened.
That could possibly include D’Angelo Russell making his way back to the Lakers after being jettisoned from the organization two years ago.
Where are we going with all of this? We’re glad you asked. An unnamed NBA executive was asked about both Russell and Irving. His response painted the latter in a bad light.
“They’re both divas, but Irving takes it to another level. Russell may be high-maintenance, but he’s no Kyrie,” the unnamed executive told Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
We’ve been hearing things about Mr. Irving for some time now. It started when he requested a trade from the Cavaliers following the 2016-17 season. Said rumors have not died down since.
The most recent being the fact that Irving apparently didn’t like living in Boston and butted heads with the Celtics’ brass.
What does this all mean?
While Irving will still likely receive a max contract in free agency, those around the league are not fans of his antics. It could lead to a barer market than most originally imagined.