2. Kyrie Irving, player option
(Editor’s Note: Kyrie Irving elected to opt-in after this blurb and prediction were written)
If Kyrie Irving opts out or demands a trade, it’s unclear how many teams would actually be available for his services. He’s one of the best individual talents in the league but his off-the-court concerns continue to be a dark cloud over his career.
Deep down, I still believe (or envision) Kevin Durant stepping in to try and salvage the situation. Perhaps Kyrie opts in for one more season and if they win the championship, he gets his max contract extension next summer? I don’t know, I just don’t believe Durant will allow this all to crumble this fast.
Though, if he does leave, it seems like there’s too much smoke for him not to land with the Los Angeles Lakers. LA will probably have to bite the bullet and find another landing spot for Russell Westbrook.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers