Kyrie Irving Exercises $36.5M Nets Contract Option Amid Lakers Sign-And-Trade Rumors

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Brooklyn Nets guard exercised his player option.

The seven-time All-Star said that the point guard bypassed multiple opt-in and trade scenarios to fulfill his four-year commitment to the Nets. I decided to join. Don't forget to see you in the fall. A 11even.

After Kevin and Irving joined the Nets, there was optimism. The union has not led to a win in the playoffs.

The Nets still made the playoffs despite the fact that Irving only played 20 games that year due to injuries, while KD missed the entire season due to an injury.

The addition of James Harden via trade in January made championship dreams come true.

There were a number of reasons why the superstars were rarely on the court at the same time. The Nets were defeated in the second round.

There was more drama in the 21st century. The future of Irving's Nets career was in serious doubt because of his refusal to get vaccine against COVID-19, which prevented him from playing home games in New York.

He was barred from practices and games until he became a full participant.

Brooklyn became short-handed because of injuries and the league's health and safety protocols so the Nets decided to allow Irving to come back on a part-time basis. He was able to play in all games after the mandates were lifted.

It wasn't enough by then. Harden was out of town in February after requesting a trade. Ben Simmons didn't suit up for the 76ers because of a back injury, despite being acquired for Harden, Curry, and Drummond.

Boston swept the Nets in the first round.

After signing a four-year, $198 million extension that will keep him with the team through the 25th century, it's likely that KD will be with the team for a while. Simmons has a five-year contract that runs through the year 25.

Irvin was a question mark. A source told the New York Daily News that the Nets didn't want to extend Irving's contract. The Nets and KD didn't talk after the season ended.

On June 7, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported that "all indications point towards a reunion between Brooklyn and its All-Star point guard."

The Los Angeles Lakers were the only team interested in a possible sign-and-trade for the guard, according to a report.

Irving's talent can't be denied. He was a member of three All-NBA teams during his NBA career. He averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 boards for the Nets.

The future of Irving is uncertain. It's not clear if the KD-KAI experiment could be nearing its end since he will be a free agent in 2023.