Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Post

Talks Between Kyrie Irving And Brooklyn Nets Have Gone Stagnant – Knicks And Lakers Emerge As Potential Suitors 

Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status was one of the biggest storylines this past season. The controversial Brooklyn Nets star chose not to get vaccinated and had to live with the consequences of that choice.

Irving was ineligible to play home games due to New York City’s vaccine mandate until they changed the mandate in March. On top of that, per NBA’s mandate, Irving wasn’t paid for any games that he missed as a result of refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Nets then even explained that they’ll sit Irving in all the other games as well, something they changed after a rough patch with plenty of losses.

But even with Irving playing full-time, the Nets were eliminated early in the season – more so, they even got swept by the Boston Celtics.

Irving not playing up to his standards, paired with the fact that he was scrutinized for his anti-vax position, not only led to the media heavily criticizing the star point guard, but also his own team becoming more and more unsure about a possible long-term commitment from their side.

Now, this morning, it was reported that both sides are at an impasse about Irving’s future and that two teams are emerging as potential suitors – the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. 

Per Shams Charania:

“Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are currently at a standstill in talks about his future, multiple sources tell The Athletic, clearing the way for the seven-time NBA All-Star to enter the open marketplace.”

Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors.

Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022