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Kyrie Irving and Nike have gone together like peanut butter and jelly over the years. They have worked together since 2014 and have created some of the most profitable and enticing shoes on the market. People from all over have worn Kyrie sneakers ever since the first pair was released.
But their partnership may soon be coming to an end.
It is rumored that Nike will not extend him a contract after his 2022-2023 deal runs out. The company reportedly has concerns about Irving's future in the league after his drama-filled 2020-2021 season and 2021-2022 campaign.
Irving chose not to play in select games in 2020-2021 for “personal reasons.” He missed the first half of the 2021-2022 season due to the New York City COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and even upon his return, Irving was limited to road games until late in the season.
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The Nets and Kyrie Irving's future is uncertain entering the summer as well. And there are speculations around the league that other teams may be hesitant to pursue him on the open market if Irving were to become a free agent. Although his talent will draw interest from suitors, Nike is hesitant to continue working with him based on his uncertain future.
A Nike spokesperson made a statement on the situation with ESPN:
“We don't comment on contracts or rumors or speculation. Kyrie remains a Nike athlete.”
Kyrie Irving has a $37 million player option with the Nets which he can choose to accept this summer. But his contract situation is difficult to gauge given Irving's unpredictability.
Regardless of what happens, a world where Kyrie Irving and Nike aren't working together would be an odd one. But it appears as if that is what the future holds.
