Kyrie Irving Rumors: Nets Contract Extension Now 'More Likely' Despite Recent Reports

Fans hoping to see a divorce between Irving and the Nets might not be happy.

All indications point to a reunion between Brooklyn and its All-Star point guard, according to the New York Post. Lewis said a contract extension is more likely than a player option.

A source told him in May that the Nets were unwilling to give Irving a long-term extension.

Ian Begley reported on May 26 that opposing teams believe Brooklyn would be willing to sign and trade for Irving if contract negotiations broke down.

The Nets are hesitant about what to do next because of Irving's unpredictable injury history and refusal to get the vaccine.

Irving was unable to play home games for most of the season, which resulted in him making just 29 appearances. When he played, he averaged 27.4 points and 5.8 assists and shot 41.8% from the floor.

The lack of chemistry within Brooklyn's roster was exposed when the team was swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Sean Marks made pointed comments after the Nets failed to make it to the second round.

He told reporters that they needed people that wanted to be here. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves and there's a goal at stake. Availability from everyone is going to be needed in order to do that.

Brooklyn has painted itself into a corner.

The team won't have the salary-cap space to sign another star if he leaves in free agency, and a sign-and-trade isn't likely to yield a return of equal value after Irving's stock took a hit.

Losing the 30-year-old in any circumstance also risks alienating Kevin Durant since he and Irving were a package deal when they joined the Nets.

The most probable scenario is that Irving stays in Brooklyn. He might not be willing to leave any money on the table if he were to give him a fully guaranteed max contract.

Marks will have to find a balance between trying to get the best deal for the Nets without Irving cutting off negotiations altogether.