NBA Rumors: The Brooklyn Nets have outlined a path to return for Kyrie Irving, but is their true plan to outright release him instead?
A few days ago, the Brooklyn Nets outlined a path to return for the suspended Kyrie Irving. He would be out a minimum of five games and then needed to complete six items before returning to the team.
However, according to a recent report, there is some doubt that the Nets truly believe that Kyrie will be able to complete this ask from the team. Per Marc Stein, there are some around the league that believe the ultimate endgame consists of the Nets “outright releasing” Kyrie.
If so, that would throw a huge wrench in this entire ordeal. And, at least for Kyrie, could make for an interesting next few weeks for him professionally. All in all, there is still plenty of questions that need to be answered by both sides.
What if the Brooklyn Nets release Kyrie Irving?
Assuming that this wouldn’t be a buyout situation, Kyrie would likely have to pass through waivers in order to formally be a free agent. Quite frankly, I’m not really sure if there’s any team that would want to put in a claim for him.
Even some of the most desperate teams/contenders (in search of talent) in the league that comes to mind, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers, I’m not sure if any of them would be willing to take everything that comes with carrying Kyrie on the roster.
It wouldn’t be a huge financial risk for any team but it would be huge on nearly every other level. Would Kyrie fit with their current teams? Would he fit in the locker room? Could the front office/public relations department be able to happen when Kyrie inevitably puts his foot in his mouth again?
The amount of backlash that could come from a Kyrie signing has practically outweighed the good that he can bring to any team because of his talent. Kyrie is an immensely talented player, but he may be at the point where his off-the-court troubles are not worth the on-the-court potential.
If so, that’s a very dangerous place for Kyrie to be heading into an offseason where he will be a free agent.