“There has to be part of Kevin Durant wishing Kyrie Irving opted out”: Skip Bayless and NBA Twitter react to Uncle Drew picking $37M over LeBron James

Arjun Julka | 28/06/2022
"There has to be part of Kevin Durant wishing Kyrie Irving opted out": Skip Bayless and NBA Twitter react to Uncle Drew picking $37M over LeBron James

Kyrie Irving lives up to his unpredictable status amid rumors of him joining the LA Lakers. The Nets guard has decided to opt-in for his $37M player option.

In what may be disappointing news for Lakers Nation, Kyrie Irving has decided to opt into the final year of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The former champion was once again in the headlines the past week. After not being offered the desired extension, Irving planned to test free agency.

The LA Lakers emerged as a top suitor for the 30-year-old that would reunite him with former Cavs teammate LeBron James. While Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and co attempted to crack a deal with the Nets front office, the latter wasn’t interested in anything the Lakers had to offer.

Thus Irving would have to forgo his $37M player option and sign the $6M taxpayer exemption with the purple and gold. Though any player deciding to take an enormous pay cut was unheard of, when it came to Irving’s case, anything was possible.

Also read: “Nets are not going to be held hostage by threat of Kyrie Irving leaving & then Kevin Durant following!”: ESPN’s Zach Lowe shares view from inside the Brooklyn camp

Nonetheless, recent reports have confirmed Irving’s decision to stay with the Nets for the final year of his contract.

NBA Twitter reacts to Kyrie Irving’s decision to opt into the final year of his contract.

It was a tumultuous week for the Nets organization, with Irving deciding to test free agency. As a result, uncertainty loomed over Kevin Durant’s future with the franchise. However, with Irving planning to stay for the final year of his contract, Brooklyn looks to run it back.

Barring the Lakers, no team was willing to pursue Irving in a sign-and-trade. Nevertheless, with Irving deciding to stay in Brooklyn, it will be interesting to see how far he and Durant take the Nets in the upcoming season.

Also read: “If Kyrie Irving were on our team, we would have kidnapped him and given him the shot!”: Zach Lowe discloses how GMs are puzzled by Kevin Durant turning a blind eye 

 

Post Edited By: Arjun Julka
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant kyrie irving LA Lakers

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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