Kyrie Irving Rumors: Nets 'Outright Unwilling' to Offer Star Contract Extension

The Brooklyn Nets' 2021-22 season went anything but as expected, and the instability may not be going away given the reported situation with Kyrie Irving.

Brooklyn isn't jumping at the chance to give him a long-term extension, and Irving has a player option for the upcoming campaign before he potentially hits free agency the following summer, according to the New York Daily News.

A source familiar with the Nets thought process said that they were unwilling to give Irving a long-term extension because of his personal decision not to get vaccinations.

It was expected that a championship would be realistic at the start of the season. There were enough proven role players on the roster to challenge anyone in the league, and that trio of Kevin, James and Irving seemed impossible to stop.

The season began.

Irving was ineligible for home games for most of the season because he was unvaccinated. The team initially kept him out for road games, but eventually relented. He appeared in 29 games.

Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, while Joe Harris was out with an injury, as well as the other two. Ben Simmons didn't play a single game because of a back injury.

The Boston Celtics swept the Nets in the first round of the playoffs after the Nets won the play-in tournament.

Sean Marks turned heads earlier this month when he said the team is looking for guys that want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, play team basketball, and be available.

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"We're looking for guys that want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, play team basketball, and be available. That goes not only for Kyrie but everybody here."Sean Marks on if the Nets are committed to Kyrie long-term.

(via @SNYNets)pic.twitter.com/aOMnP6x6sX

That wasn't a ringing endorsement, and the latest report suggests the seven-time All-Star's long-term future with the Nets may be limited.

Irving told reporters after the loss to Boston that he didn't plan on going anywhere.

He said that it really requires us managing this franchise together with Joe and Sean, as well as our group of family members that we have in our organization. I don't want to make it just about me and Kev. We are cornerstones, but we have a few other guys under contract.

Irving said that they need to make some moves this summer.

He may not be getting a contract extension.