Kyrie Irving opts into $37 million contract with Nets, shutting down trade speculation

Kyrie Irving is staying with the Brooklyn Nets after all. 

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Irving decided against his pursuit of a trade from the Nets and is instead opting into the $37 million player option on his contract to stay with Brooklyn. The decision comes after rampant speculation of his impending departure, including a report that the Nets granted Irving permission to hunt for a sign-and-trade deal. Earlier on Monday, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in adding Irving.

"Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow," Irving said Monday, via Charania. "I've made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall."

Irving, 30, joined the Nets in 2019 as a free agent shortly after the team added Kevin Durant. Despite the star duo, along with the addition of James Harden in January 2021, Brooklyn has failed to reach the NBA Finals. 

Last season, the Nets were a favorite to win the NBA title, but Irving missed significant time due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The team battled through injuries to reach the playoffs where it was swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics. Irving finished the year averaging 27.4 points and 5.8 assists.