Kyrie Irving Switches Agents As Celtics Exit Looms, Will Reject $21.3M Opt-In

Kyrie Irving has not given any indication about his plans for the future but it is almost certain that he will opt out of his $21.3 million option for next season and enter free agency. It is also uncertain if he will keep his promise of re-signing with Boston Celtics with multiple reports suggesting that he has already decided to leave.

The Celtics point guard has also reportedly split with his longtime agent Jeff Wechsler just weeks before entering free agency, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The NBA insider claims Irving will partner with ROC Nation Sports for representation going forward.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who reported Irving’s decision not to opt in to his $21.3 million deal, also claims there will be no paperwork required for him to enter free agency on July 1 as it is an opt-in clause. The six-time All-Star will explore free agency but chances of him re-signing with Celtic remain remote.

The Brooklyn Nets are being touted as the favorites to sign Irving this summer with New York Knicks, who were the initial favorites demoted to second on the list. The guard is said to have already met with the franchise with Stephen A. Smith claiming that he has even flown to the Bay Area to convince fellow free agent Kevin Durant to join him in Brooklyn.

Irving had promised the Celtics fans about wanting to commit his long-term future when he enters free agency this summer but has since backtracked after the team endured a difficult season. Irving had a stellar individual campaign as he averaged 23.8 points and a career-best 6.9 assists per game but he was unable to inspire the Celtics to live up to their favorites tag in the East.

The 2016 NBA champion shouldered most of the blame for the Celtics’ underperformance during the regular season and the playoffs. Irving’s desire to be the leader of the team was questioned on numerous occasions, while he too questioned his teammates’ desire, before apologizing for doing so.

Irving is said to be keen to form a partnership with another elite player next season and Durant is said to be his preferred choice either in Brooklyn or New York. While a potential reunion with LeBron James in Los Angeles with the Lakers has also not been ruled out.