“Joe Tsai is completely done with him [Kyrie Irving]” - Stephen A Smith believes there’s no way back at Brooklyn Nets for the point guard
The Brooklyn Nets finally decided to suspend Kyrie Irving without pay for at least five games for failing to disavow anti-Semitic beliefs and claims. Unless the mercurial point guard fulfills “objective remedial measures,” he may have played his last game with the Nets already.
Fortunately, Irving sent a formal apology, took responsibility for his actions and stated his intent moving forward. The apology, though, does not guarantee that he will be reinstated into the lineup. It was the first of many steps that Irving could hopefully complete to pave the way for a return to basketball.
If the seven-time All-Star does eventually return, it may still be his last season in Brooklyn based on Stephen A. Smith’s sources:
“From what I’ve been told, Joe Tsai is completely done with him. He’s dealing with him because he’s under contract and he has to, but he’s completely done with Kyrie Irving.”
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Last season, the Brooklyn Nets reportedly revoked their offer of a four-year max extension to Kyrie Irving for failing to get the vaccine. Joe Tsai dug in on that stance in the offseason when that same offer wasn’t offered again.
If the Nets’ billionaire owner wasn’t willing to give Irving that deal back then, there’s no way that has changed with the player’s latest controversy. Tsai promptly admonished Irving for his post that had a link on Twitter to a book and film that had venomous anti-Semitic claims.
The Nets originally took their time on what to do with Kyrie Irving. While the former Rookie of the Year winner doubled down on his stance, the front office, and likely Tsai, had enough. Many believe that the suspension was warranted and that it should have been handed down immediately after Irving’s post.
Irving opted into the final year of his contract worth $36 million. It will likely be the last one he will be getting from Joe Tsai and the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie Irving may never get a max deal from any team after he leaves the Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving lost roughly $15 last season for missing games due to his unvaccinated status. He is also expected to lose another $1.5 million if his suspension is limited to only five games by the Brooklyn Nets.
Irving’s loss, however, could be a lot more than that. He may never get the chance to get another long-term max deal. Here’s what Stephen A. Smith said on the topic:
“When it comes to investing in him long term, they think he is a superstar talent basketball player who simply cannot be trusted to show up to work everyday without issues. That’s what their belief is about him and they will not invest in him long term.”
Stephen A Smith said on First Take that other NBA owners are not willing to invest in Kyrie Irving long-term because he cannot be trusted to show up to work everyday.
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The former Duke standout has already missed more games than played in his four-year stint with the Brooklyn Nets. He stands to miss more given the suspension and injury history.
It will be very difficult for him to land another big-time deal due to his excessive off-court issues and recent injuries.