Report: Brooklyn Nets make decision on Kyrie Irving contract extension

According to a recent report, the Brooklyn Nets have made a key decision regarding any possible contract extension to Kyrie Irving. As outlined by the New York Daily News, Brooklyn is unwilling to give Irving a long-term contract extension after a season where his availability was severely limited due to his unvaccinated status.

Nets will not offer Kyrie Irving long-term extension

As the Nets approach their offseason with major decisions to be made after a disappointing season, one of the biggest choices they’re facing is the contract renewal of Kryie Irving. Irving is currently in his final year of his previous contract as a player option, meaning he could choose to leave the Nets and test free agency. His decision could hinge on what contract the Nets offer him — something that could become a major problem for both parties after last season.

Irving’s unvaccinated status forced him to miss most of the regular season, leading to them having to play in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Nets made the playoffs as the seven-seed, where they were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round. Had Irving been available throughout the season, most NBA analysts believe they would have been a higher seed and not faced such a good team early.

Now, as Brooklyn approaches the negotiating table with Irving, one of their major fears is the reliability and commitment of Irving as a star on the Nets. Before, rumors indicated that a long-term extension was a concern of theirs — until a new report from the New York Daily News states that the organization is unwilling to offer him any long-term deal.

Compounding their issues, Irving playing 29 games during this last season isn’t the only concern Brooklyn has had since Irving’s arrival in free agency. He only played in 54 games the season before, including missing multiple games for “personal reasons” that drew attention to the team. His first season in Brooklyn, he only played in 20 games as he battled a shoulder injury — giving him a total of just 103 games played in three seasons with the Nets.

Now, the former Duke star has a decision to make of his own if the new report is accurate. If Brooklyn isn’t willing to offer him a major extension, Irving will either play his final year in Brooklyn and opt-in to his final contract year for the guaranteed money — or take his chances on the market and try for a new deal somewhere else.