The Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving have reportedly come to a standstill in contract negotiation talks.
Unsurprisingly, this has led to much speculation amongst fans and bettors as to which team the mercurial point guard will wind up on next. Let’s dive into the fun!
Known for being a deft ball-handling, shifty and electric player, Irving possesses a level of creativity and skill that even makes other NBA superstars jealous. And after averaging 27.4 points (career-matching high) and three.4 three-pointers (career-high), Kyrie remains to be at the highest of his game.
Nevertheless, the Brooklyn Nets are clearly pondering Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems. Kyrie has the flexibility to opt into next season, or he can negotiate a contract extension. After the events of the last three seasons — unexcused absences, refusal to get vaccinated for COVID-19, a push to shut down the Orlando Bubble though he wasn’t participating — the Brooklyn Nets seem like fed up. Actually, last month General Manager Sean Marks plainly stated that he wants players in Brooklyn which are committed to the franchise.
“So he has to take a look at what he’s going to do together with his player option and so forth like that,” Marks said. “I feel we all know what we’re searching for. We’re searching for guys that wish to are available in here and be a part of something greater than themselves. Play selfless, play team basketball, and be available … and that goes not just for Kyrie but for everyone here.”
With Monday’s news, it appears Brooklyn is anxious that giving a max contract extension to a player who rarely plays, won’t be the very best fiscal move.
From a gambling perspective, a committed, healthy Irving would help any team in need of a dynamic point guard with superstar moxie. He can rating against anyone and has a proven track record of performing big when the lights are the brightest. Living proof, Kyrie is 43-31 against the spread and an impressive 50-24 straight up within the playoffs when he plays, per FOX Sports Research.
There isn’t a doubt about his play, it’s just IF he’ll play. That’s the essential determination any team acquiring him can have to contemplate.
And on that note, we turned to FOX Bet to get hypothetical odds on the almost certainly places Irving suits up for on opening day for the 2022-2023 NBA season.
ODDS ON KYRIE IRVING’S NEXT TEAM*
Nets: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Lakers: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)
Knicks: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Clippers: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Other: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
*Odds as of 6/20/2022
At -200, the Brooklyn Nets are the favourite to maintain Kyrie. The team hopes that Irving can provide a full season of stellar play that may propel them to the heights fans expected when he joined the team with Kevin Durant back in summer of 2019.
“I understand why the Nets are hesitant to offer Kyrie a long-term deal, but I expect each side will want one full season with the Nets core intact before potentially parting ways,” FOX Bet sports trader Dylan Brossman explained. “Ben Simmons needs to be available for the beginning of the upcoming season — completing Brooklyn’s “Big 3″ — and Joe Harris is hopeful to return from his ankle injury.”
Nevertheless, if the star guard indeed decides to depart, a reunion with LeBron James on the Lakers (+200) is a robust bet, not less than per the chances. Yet, Shannon Sharpe of FOX Sport’s Skip and Shannon: Undisputed doesn’t think the Lakers have what it takes.
“I don’t know [how], unless you wanna package Anthony Davis … well that kinda defeats the aim,” Sharpe said. “You wanna keep AD and LeBron and pair Kyrie WITH those guys.”
If the Lakers can’t get it done, Brossman believes the team a number of subway stops away from Barclays also has a robust probability.
“If Kyrie and the Nets do ultimately resolve to part ways, the Knicks (+600) make sense as trade partners since they’ve the cap space and young assets to get it done,” Brossman analyzed.
As we at all times say around these parts, things occur fast within the Association. And with the NBA Draft this week, Irving is unquestionably an enormous name to control in terms of the trade market. His next move might just put a contender excessive, so stay tuned to see which team he suits up for this upcoming season.
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