Here's the positive spin for Kyrie Irving: He will have the chance to remake his situation into something he's more comfortable with during 2023. As a player, he will be an unrestricted free agent and can choose where he wants to play in coming seasons (how many teams are interested and for how many years will be interesting to see).
Irving also is a sneaker free agent - Nike has cut ties with him, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Irving is happy with this.
The separation is not a surprise. Nike suspended its relationship with Irving after he Tweeted out support for an antisemitic film, did not apologize (at first), and was suspended by the Nets. Here was the company's statement at that time:
"At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism. To that end, we've made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone."
Nike founder Phil Knight said it was likely the end of the company's relationship with Irving.
That's not a small thing by Nike, Irving has had a signature shoe line since 2014 and is reported to have a deal with Nike worth more than $10 million a season because his shoes are popular. However, his contract with the shoe giant was set to end in October 2023, and there had been reports Nike did not plan to extend that deal before this current controversy started.
Nike is already looking in a new direction, at Ja Morant.
Irving now has the chance to choose his new direction.
Here's more on the Brooklyn Nets
PBT Podcast: Timberwolves without KAT, get Luka some help NBA Power Rankings: Celtics remain on top but Suns jump up to second Kevin Durant on chasing MVP: 'Not really, I've been there, done...
Nike, Kyrie Irving part ways, making him a sneaker free agent originally appeared on NBCSports.com
