The first step towards Kyrie Irving coming to New York is complete.
The 6-time NBA All-Star is declining his $21.3 million option for next season and will become a free agent, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The move was expected, as Irving had until Thursday to make a decision on his player option. The star point guard will be eligible to negotiate a new contract with Boston or any other team once free agency begins on June 30.
The 27-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 23.8 points on 48.7% shooting while setting career highs with 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. Irving also excelled from long range, shooting 40.1% from the three-point line, and was named to the 2019 All-NBA Second-Team.
Both the Knicks and Nets are expected to pursue Irving once free agency opens at the end of the month.
Irving and the Nets have strong mutual interest, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Following the trade of Allen Crabbe, Brooklyn now has the cap space for two max free agents.
Both New York franchises are interested in pairing the star point guard with another max free agent, with the dream scenario for both teams being a combination of Irving and Kevin Durant.
