It’s absolutely insane how a few months can change the narrative. It was just this past summer that the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving were seemingly headed for a divorce.
Irving’s tenure with the Nets had been drama-filled, driven by several off-court issues surrounding the star guard. Most recently, the NBA champion was suspended for sharing a documentary on social media that included several antisemitic views. Prior to that, Irving drew the ire of the organization for his stance against getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Now more than halfway through the 2022-23 season, it looks like this tumultuous marriage could be extended.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype cites several executives around the NBA who believe Irving will remain with the Nets beyond this season.
“I think Kyrie ends up with a short extension with the Nets. A sign-and-trade for Kyrie this summer would be tough given the length needed and assets to make it happen from another team. I think there’s an incentive for an extension on a one-plus-one or two-year deal.”
Unnamed executive on Kyrie Irving’s future with the Brooklyn Nets
This past offseason saw the 30-year-old Irving pick up his contract option for the 2022-23 campaign. He’s now slated to hit free agency next summer.
Related: Kyrie Irving and the top NBA free agents of 2023
All of this comes amid a season in which both Irving and the Nets have turned things around. Despite an ongoing three-game losing streak, Brooklyn sits at 27-16. It opened the season losing nine of 15 and has gone 21-7 since.
- Kyrie Irving stats (2022-23): 25.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, 48% shooting, 36% 3-point
As you can see, Irving continues to play at a high level when he’s actually on the court. Prior to the 2022-23 campaign, consistent playing time had been an issue. He appeared in a combined 103 games over the previous three seasons.
The former No. 1 pick from Duke is eligible for an extension that would net him roughly $50 million annually on a max deal. Based on his enigmatic personality and the off-court issues mentioned above, a shorter-term deal makes sense.