Kyrie Irving, a standout for the Nets, could sit out the remainder of the season if he is not transferred, a source told The Post.
According to sources, Brooklyn intends to keep him on the bench until a deal is finalized. Despite what could be construed as leverage plays by both parties and posturing about who is in charge, it may be some time before Irving dons a Nets uniform again. If ever.
According to ESPN, All-Star point player Kyrie Irving will miss the next 32 games of what might be a championship season. However, a well-placed person with knowledge of the matter informed The Post that the All-Star point guard has not yet decided whether to use the nuclear option. However, it is evidently being discussed.
“We have not yet made a decision,” stated the insider.
Irving sought a trade on Friday, preferably before to Thursday’s 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline. Even though a sign-and-trade might still be finalized in the summer, and Irving could still re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets over the offseason, it appears less likely in light of recent threats.
Stephen A. Smith revealed on Saturday’s “NBA Countdown” that Irving will get paid by all four teams: Mavericks, Suns, Lakers, and Clippers. “It remains to be seen whether this is a four-year promise or something else. However, they would give him more than Brooklyn would… Kyrie Irving is willing to miss the remainder of the season if necessary. This is what I am told.”
Meanwhile, TNT and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes stated that the Nets intend to keep Irving on the bench until a trade is finalized prior to the February 9 trading deadline.
The outcome may be the same if Irving is traded by Thursday.
Irving, who averages 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds and has earned a starting berth on the All-Star squad later this month, played for the Nets in their loss to the Celtics on Wednesday and sounded almost nostalgic about his former team.
Then, following the trade request, he was scratched from Saturday’s game against Washington with a right calf injury. Irving was not in attendance, but his image was displayed on the scoreboard. The star, who receives the greatest screams at Barclays Center, even louder than Kevin Durant, was booed by the whole crowd.
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