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Kyrie Irving opts into $37 million player option, will play for Brooklyn Nets next season

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh06/27/22griffin_mcveigh
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Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

It’s the offseason in the NBA which means there will be some kind of drama surrounding the league’s biggest teams/stars. This year, the Brooklyn Nets are at the forefront as the future of former Texas star Kevin Durant and Duke‘s Kyrie Irving hangs in the balance.

Irving originally was open to leaving Brooklyn with a sign and trade deal, giving out a list of destinations where he would want to play. However, he has since then gone back on that decision and will be playing his basketball with the Nets next season.

According to Sham Charania of The Athletic, Irving has opted into his player option for the 2022-2023 season. Charania says there were “multiple” options to see the point guard leave Brooklyn but now, he is fully committed to the future.

“Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is opting into his $37 million player option for the 2022-23 season, @TheAthletic@Stadium has learned,” Charania said. “Irving is bypassing on multiple opt-in and trade scenarios to fulfill his four-year commitment to the Nets and Kevin Durant.”

If Irving did not decide to commit to Brooklyn and opted out of his contract, Durant could have been on his way out as well. Reports stated the Nets wanted to keep both or get rid of both and not go through another year full of drama. While it all worked out, everything could have looked different.

Irving then released a statement via Charania on his decision. He seems ready to work with Durant and get another NBA Championship on his resume.

“Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow,” Irving said. “I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall. A11even.”

Last season was a difficult one for everyone involved with Brooklyn — mainly due to Iriving’s inability to stay on the court. He could not play home games at the Barclays Center, meaning he only played on the Nets’ road trips.

Add in a disappointing playoff series loss to Boston and it was considered a bust of a year. With Irving opting in, he and Durant will be hoping for better results going forward. Committing to the future could change the mindset of both for the better.