Brooklyn Nets Will No Longer Offer Kyrie Irving $186 Million Contract Extension Over Vaccine Conflict
According to NBCsports, The Brooklyn Nets already have Kevin Durant signed to an extension, and plan to do the same with James Harden.
Kyrie Irving, however won’t have that deal available to him anymore due to his Covid-19 vaccine conflict. Shams Charainia of The Athletic revealed this news on “The Glue Guys” podcast on Wednesday.
“Clearly at the end of the day, that is not something they felt like they wanted to do,” Charania said in response to the option of Kyrie Irving only playing at away games because he would be eligible regardless of his vaccine status. “He was willing to sacrifice, at the end of the day, $16 million in salary this upcoming year and $186 million as far as an extension that he will not be offered now.”
As previously reported the Nets announced that Irving wouldn’t be allowed to play or practice until he became vaccinated. With not getting the shot, he loses out on $16 million in games missed, but will still be paid approximately $18 million for the games he plays in.
Irving went on Instagram live to express how he felt, and shared he does not plan to retire and plans to return to the Nets at some point.
RELATED:Kyrie Irving Wants The NBA To Honor Kobe Bryant With New Logo — Vanessa Bryant Is On Board
“Don’t believe that I’m retiring, don’t believe that I’m going to give up this game for a a vaccine mandate or staying unvaccinated,” he shared. “Don’t believe any of that s—t, man. What would you do if you felt uncomfortable going into the season when you were promised that you would have exemptions or that you didn’t have to get the vaccine.”