“A lot of teams will look at it like 'what’s he gonna do when he gets a 4-year deal?'" - Chris Broussard believes Kyrie Irving might not get paid by any team next season because lack of professionalism
After weeks of dragging his heels, Kyrie Irving opted into the final year of his Brooklyn Nets contract worth $36 million. The Nets failed to find a sign-and-trade partner for the mercurial point guard, with only the LA Lakers expressing some sort of interest.
It’s no secret that Irving wanted the $245 million max contract that he would have been eligible to get from the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets held firm and refused to give in to the wishes of the unpredictable seven-time All-Star.
Speaking on "The Odd Couple" podcast, Chris Broussard explained why Irving has to be on his best behavior next season.
“You thinking logic, you can’t assume Kyrie’s going to think logically. But if Kyrie ever wants a bag again, he's gotta come out and play not only well but show up on time, be professional, be a good soldier, be a good teammate.
“And even then, there’s no guarantee he’s gonna get that bag. 'Cause a lot of teams will look at it like, ‘Yeah, he’s on a contract year. He’s only doing that to get the bag. What’s he gonna do when he gets a four-year deal?’”
Irving has gained a reputation, unfair or not, for disrupting the locker room. Even if he has a bounce-back campaign next season, teams may be unwilling to give him the bag.
Kyrie Irving reportedly refuted rumors of wanting to leave the Brooklyn Nets
It was rumored earlier in the offseason that Kyrie Irving wanted out of Brooklyn, with an eye on a move to the Lakers.
A report from Brian Lewis of the New York Post, however, poured cold water on the rumors. In the report, Lewis said Irving had every intention of staying with the Nets and never asked for a trade.
Kyrie Irving wants to be a Net — with or without Kevin Durant trib.al/GkDryF7 https://t.co/9gB8qHLxji
“Kyrie has not asked for a trade. Now, if the Nets don’t want him, that’s something totally different. Kyrie has not said he wants a trade. He opted in. [So where did] the trade conversations come from? Is it because KD requested a trade, and now everybody’s like, 'Let’s trade Ky'? Kyrie opted in.”
Nets are in no hurry to trade Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving. KD has 4yr left in his contract and Brooklyn will trade him for the right offer, not just any offer. Including All Stars, young talents and multiple pics.
Same for Kyrie, with an eye on tax bill
#NBA https://t.co/lJZKVyfak7
The Brooklyn Nets are in no hurry to trade Irving and might be willing to let him walk away after he finishes his contract without getting anything in return.