Kyrie Irving is still a Brooklyn Net, but for how much longer? Irving, who recently exercised his $36.5-million player option for next season, has told those close to him he plans to bolt for Los Angeles “as soon as possible” with LeBron James reportedly “rooting hard” for a reunion with his former Cavs teammate.
Whether that comes to fruition is anyone’s guess and it’s still possible, if not probable, that Irving will remain a Net well into the 2022-23 season. Another possibility alluded to by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports would be using the waive-and-stretch provision, a worst-case scenario that would allow Brooklyn to release Irving while distributing his remaining salary over multiple seasons. Regardless, it’s become pretty evident that Irving’s time in Brooklyn has run its course with the All-Star going to great lengths to convey his exhaustion at constantly being labeled “selfish” and “unreliable.”
Maybe we’re giving him too much credit, but it sure seems like Irving was trying to send a message Thursday night, eschewing all sense of subtlety by sitting courtside at a Los Angeles Sparks game. Irving wasn’t shying away from the spotlight either, flashing a knowing smile as cameras (the game was televised locally on Spectrum Sports) panned in his direction.
Was Irving’s appearance at Crypto.com Arena, a home court they share with the Lakers, a passive aggressive jab at his current team or something as benign as a routine night out, enjoying some summer hoops while supporting his female colleagues in the WNBA? Knowing Irving, it was probably a little of both.
LISTEN on the Audacy AppSign Up and Follow Audacy SportsFacebook | Twitter | Instagram