On Monday morning, word broke that Kyrie Irving had requested and received permission to find sign-and-trade offers from other NBA teams. By Monday afternoon, after realizing there was only one team seeking such an arrangement and the Nets wouldn’t go for it, he decided to opt into his $36.5 million option, meaning he will return to Brooklyn next season.
The decision itself is fascinating as it’s almost certainly what no one involves wants to happen, including Irving, and yet it somehow makes sense for the free-thinking NBA star. He put the icing on that cake with a particular over-the-top quote that he provided to Shams Charania.
“Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow,” said Irving. “I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall.”
That first part is what really caught the attention of the NBA world as it’s a perfect Kyrie quote. Obtuse, tone-deaf, and deluded, the implication that Irving is some kind of maverick for choosing to sign an option that pays him $37 million for one year is just…chef’s kiss.
And of course, it generated some fun responses and reactions on social media.
Kyrie continues to be the gift that keeps on giving and the Nets get to pay $37 million for that gift next season now.
[Shams]