NBA Rumors: Several executives around the league 'not touching' Kyrie Irving if made available for trade
Kyrie Irving is in the last year of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Irving will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The latest NBA rumors suggest that several executives around the league are "not touching" Irving if the Nets make him available for a trade.
According to Steve Popper of Newsday, it might be time for the Nets to trade some expiring contracts they have no intention of extending. Popper spoke with a few NBA executives, and they don't want to go anywhere near Irving. The Newsday reporter believes that the LA Lakers might be the only team interested in Irving's services.
"As long as the Nets are making moves, maybe it's time to part ways with the expiring contract that they will never extend," Popper wrote. "Talked to a few execs around the league who would not touch Kyrie. I can think of one who might take the chance - if not, pull the bandaid off."
Kyrie Irving is looking to get a nice big payday on his next contract. The Brooklyn Nets didn't possibly offer him a new deal due to his previous issues. Irving has been plagued by injuries and off-court controversies since joining the Nets in 2019.
Irving played in just 29 games last season despite being healthy. His stance about the COVID-19 vaccine caused the Nets a lot of headaches. He then tried to get out of Brooklyn by looking for a sign-and-trade deal this offseason, but failed.
Before the start of the new season, Irving further caused controversy by reposting a video of far-right personality Alex Jones on Instagram. The video discussed the "New World Order" conspiracy theory.
Less than two weeks into the season, Irving then posted links to a movie called "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America." The film has been described as an antisemitic documentary. Nets owner Joe Tsai, the NBA and the NBPA criticized Irving for his actions.
As long as the Nets are making moves, maybe it's time to part ways with the expiring contract that they will never extend. Talked to a few execs around the league who would not touch Kyrie. I can think of one who might take the chance - if not, pull the bandaid off.
Kyrie Irving struggled in first game since Steve Nash's firing, absent from media availability
In his first game since the Brooklyn Nets parted ways with coach Steve Nash, Kyrie Irving struggled against the Chicago Bulls. Irving had only four points, six rebounds and seven assists in the Nets' 108-99 loss on Tuesday. He shot just 2 for 12 from the field and was 0-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Irving was also absent for the team's pregame and postgame news conference. The Nets front office is trying their best to keep Irving from making any more controversial statements in front of the media. Irving aggressively defended himself on Saturday after reporters called him out for promoting an antisemitic film.
Nets general manager Sean Marks told the media on Tuesday that they are consulting with the Anti-Defamation League for advice on Irving. Marks noted that Irving will continue to play for the Nets, but won't speak to reporters for at least another game:
"We need to go out and educate ourselves, educate the whole group and get some direction, seek from the experts, and one of them is certainly the ADL."