By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Previewing projected contract extension talks with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving singled out teammate Kevin Durant as the main reason behind his willingness to commit long term.
“It has always been about being comfortable loving where I’m at, and I love it here. Once that summertime hits, I know that we’ll have some conversations,” he mentioned, relays News York post reporter Brian Lewis, “But there’s no way I can leave my man seven (Kevin Durant) anywhere.”
Irving, 30, has a player option for the 2022-23 NBA season worth about $37 million. His referred teammate inked a four-year, $198 million extension before the start of the 2021-22 Regular Season.
The 2021-22 campaign, heavily impact by controversy stemming from his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19, includes only 20 games played. He recently rejoined the Nets becoming available in selected games but is set to return in home fixtures as well with New York City lifting the mandate regarding unvaccinated athletes and performers. Averaging 28.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks illustrates his contribution in limited appearances.
The team coached by Steve Nash standing eighth in the Eastern Conference table hopes to squeeze in the top six seeds awarding a direct ticket to the Playoffs, otherwise settle for the Play-In Round. Carrying a 38-35 W-L tally, it has all but clinched at least a berth in the Play-In and is distanced three games outside the sixth spot with ten contests left on the Regular Season schedule.
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