Nike 'unlikely' to extend Kyrie Irving's $11 million sneaker deal

On3 image — Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving looking for the inbound of the ball while playing the Boston Celtics in the 1st quarter at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn Saturday April 23, 2022

After comments made by the Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks at the end of the season press conference, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding star guard Kyrie Irving. And according to a recent report, that uncertainty has extended beyond the hardwood and into the business side of the former Duke Blue Devils‘ affairs. According to ESPN, Nike is skeptical about Irving’s future in the NBA. That concern has leaked into their workings with the Brooklyn Nets.

Irving’s Nike contract runs until the end of the 2022-2023 season. And as of now, Nike is reportedly unwilling to continue working alongside the NBA superstar. Irving’s current deal with the athletic wear company is reportedly worth $11 million per year.

All this controversy comes after a disappointing season for the Nets. Brooklyn was bounced out of the first round of the NBA playoffs after being swept by the Boston Celtics. Many who watched the team believed that Brooklyn struggled from a lack of chemistry which was partly because of Irving’s lack of availability. Irving played in only 29 games last season because of his unvaccinated COVID-19 status. And in the city of New York, only vaccinated players were allowed to play in home games.

Irving elected to stand his ground when it came to the city’s vaccination mandate. It cost him $16 million of his current contract. But that number could possibly balloon even more. Irving is eligible for a five-year extension with Brooklyn for $245.6 million. However, unlike his running mate Kevin Durant, the Nets have yet to commit to Irving for the future. Now it looks like Nike has the same level of pause as the Brooklyn NBA franchise.

Irving reveals surprising new details about Cleveland exit

The Brooklyn Nets star point guard Kyrie Irving is one of the most talked-about players in the NBA. And now and then, Irving likes to share his thoughts and feelings with the world around him. On a recent episode of the “I Am Athlete” podcast with Brandon Marshall, the former Duke Blue Devils guard shared more than just his thoughts and feelings about what happened with the Cleveland Cavaliers, providing a surprising new detail.

After three straight finals appearances in Cleveland with fellow superstar LeBron James, Irving requested a trade away from the team. His request soured things with some teammates, with James being one of them. But according to Irving, things would not have turned sour had it not been for one key element.

“They told me their future plans. I said, ‘Look, this isn’t for me.’ … Didn’t get a chance to talk to Bron before the media ended up coming out and saying that I asked for a trade,” said Irving.