Irving told The Athletic on Monday that he would opt into his option with the Nets.
Irving said that normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I've decided to join. Don't forget to see you in the fall. A 11even.
The Los Angeles Lakers were the only team Irving wanted the Nets to work with on a sign-and-trade if they couldn't agree on terms for him to stay in Brooklyn.
Sources confirmed that Irving exercised his player option without a sign-and-trade deal. The decision had to be made by Wednesday.
Irving isn't eligible for a sign-and-trade anymore. Irving wouldn't have a say in a potential landing spot if he were traded by the Nets.
Last season, Irving played in 29 regular-season games and averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebound. Irving wasn't allowed to play in New York City because of the city's requirement for employees to be vaccine free.
Irving reminded everyone that he is still a very good player when he scored at least 40 points in four games in March and April.
When he could play in the schedule, there were usually large gaps between when he could play and when he could not. The Nets lost to the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
A seven-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, Irving has averaged 27.1 points and 6 assists over the last three seasons. Irving has not played in a lot of regular-season games due to injuries and other issues.
Nick Friedell was a contributor.