What do latest Kyrie Irving trade rumors tell us about Nets’ intentions?
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets attempts a shot against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on June 01, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets attempts a shot against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on June 01, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1415cfa560307dcecfeb54ba8e48d5de4a6e52ee00f35066a891bb037351b207.jpg)
Either all of the rumors are part of a cruel joke, or there’s actually a chance Kyrie Irving will play for the Brooklyn Nets this season. Just a few days ago it seemed like Irving’s door on the 2021-22 season was closing, but on Monday, Nets fans were in for the ultimate surprise.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that there’s “renewed optimism” Irving will rejoin Brooklyn this year. That news kicked off a whirlwind week for the Nets, but no set plan for Irving’s return has been identified.
He could either get vaccinated and be a full-time player, or GM Sean Marks and Brooklyn could go back on the statement that was released on Oct. 12, which said that Irving wasn’t going to be a part-time player.
However, what we do know is that the Nets have received calls from other teams about Irving’s trade availability, but that they haven’t been interested in entertaining offers. That confirms the possibility that the point guard will make his way back to Brooklyn’s lineup because, if not, trade talks involving Irving would be heating up.
Sources: There’s renewed optimism around All-NBA star Kyrie Irving returning to the Brooklyn Nets this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2021
Details on Nets-Irving latest, Ben Simmons‘ market and more in Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/EJBvA7v8Pn
What intentions do the Brooklyn Nets have for point guard Kyrie Irving?
The Feb. 10 trade deadline will be here before we know it. If the Nets were certain Irving wouldn’t play in a game for the team this season, they’d be focused on the calls that are coming in.
To no surprise, Brooklyn’s coaches and players are hoping Irving returns. Steve Nash said the team would be “ecstatic” by the gift of Irving rejoining the Nets, but that it isn’t something that can be counted on. That’s still the case because, as of right now, there’s no definite evidence that the 29-year-old will be back.
Nonetheless, Nets fans can be reassured by the buzz that the team isn’t interested in trading Irving. Nash is in constant contact with him, as is Kevin Durant. If they’re sticking with Irving through all of this and the fact he’s likely to hit free agency after this season, then that’s saying a lot.
All of the stars seem to be aligning, but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. There haven’t been many updates on Irving’s situation over the last couple of months, which is why hope was beginning to dwindle, but it’s clear Brooklyn knows something that the rest of us don’t … and we’ll let the organization handle it.