A change of heart or failed bluff?
Either way, Kyrie Irving says he will be returning to the Brooklyn Nets next season, opting into his $37 million player option. Shams Charania posted the following message from Irving on Twitter:
“Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall. A11even.”
The news comes just hours after multiple news breakers at ESPN said that the Nets were bracing for the exits of both Irving and Durant. The appeared to be mutual interest between the Lakers and Irving, with Los Angeles willing to acquire the point guard in a sign-and-trade. Unfortunately, LA’s offer reportedly wasn’t met with much interest.
Reports were that Durant was only interested in requesting a trade if Irving left Brooklyn. So for at least one more season, Irving will join Durant — who is under contract for the next four years — and try to make a run at the NBA title, something that has eluded them for their first three seasons together.
Should at the very least be entertaining.