Stephen A. Smith wouldn't trust Irving with a long-term contract because he doesn't answer. There is a time limit of 2:39.
According to sources, Nike is unlikely to extend a signature deal to Irving beyond the 2022-23 season because of the uncertainty surrounding his NBA future.
Irving has a new shoe that will be released in the fall, but it is expected to be the last one he has with Nike, sources said.
Nike did not deny the end of Irving's signature shoe series.
We don't comment on contracts or rumors. A Nike spokesman told ESPN on Thursday that Kyrie is still a Nike athlete.
Sources said that Nike will still offer some product associated with Irving in the future, like retro shoes from previous collections. As discussions between Nike and Irving about his endorsement future have begun, it has become apparent that his relationship with the company will change dramatically.
Several episodes in the past two years have included the Nets noncommittal stance on negotiating a long-term contract with Irving. Irving was inactive for much of the NBA season because of New York City mandates. He was allowed to play home games for the final stretch of the regular season and playoffs after the Nets changed their stance and allowed him to be a part-time player. Irving averaged 27.4 points in 29 games for the Nets before they were swept by the Boston Celtics in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Nets have a $37 million player option on Irving.
In July, Irving lashed out on social media about the design of the Nike Kyrie 8 edition of his shoe, calling them "trash", and insisted that he had nothing to do with the design or marketing.
Irving issued a statement later that day, but that episode did little to lay the groundwork for another deal centered on his signature shoe series.
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