5 storylines to track during the Brooklyn Nets’ 2022 offseason

5 storylines to track during the Brooklyn Nets’ 2022 offseason: 3. Brooklyn holds its breath as Kyrie Irving re-enters free agency

Unpredictable as any player in league history, Kyrie Irving could be entering unrestricted free agency seemingly committed to the Brooklyn Nets’ future. Following his team’s sweep at the hands of Boston, a franchise he uttered a verbal commitment to before departing for King’s County three summers ago, Irving said this to a room full of reporters:

“In terms of my extension, man, I don’t really plan on going anywhere. So this is just added motivation for our franchise to be at the top of the league for the next few years.”

Kyrie went on to discuss his commitment to building the franchise alongside Durant, owner Joe Tsai, and Sean Marks with undertones that sent a shiver down the spines of anxious fans across Kings County. Still, while taking Kyrie at face value, it sounds like he’ll be back at Barclays next year – and the Nets’ interest shouldn’t come with a shade of doubt.

Though Kyrie played only 103 regular-season games across the last three seasons, they were arguably the three best statistical seasons of his career. His scoring average hung around 27 points per game in all three seasons on shooting splits and usage that appear uncanny to the naked eye.

His dazzling showmanship as a ball-handler and isolation scorer raised to another level as he shook defenders and attacked gaps in defenses to dominate games offensively. He also left his mark on the team by maintaining his status quo of about six assists per contest.

When you sign on to make Kyrie Irving your franchise star, you must understand that there’s a lot more to the man than basketball. Some things are more important to him than basketball, like his spirituality and social justice.

Sometimes, he’s going to say things that will rub people the wrong way, and by putting him on billboards around your city, you are immediately drawing ire from a segment of sports fans and the general public alike.

But for the chance at building around a player this special, you have good reason to believe it’s all worth it. The Nets must be wary and patient, but should he follow through on his commitment, Brooklyn’s brass and fanbase must trust that Irving will enter the season as motivated as ever to compete after a blatant failure at the hands of his former team.