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Kyrie Irving has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and it's creating a PR nightmare for the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, according to the latest rumors, it has even affected how Irving is valued and perceived around the NBA.
As Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports indicated in his The Crossover NBA Show podcast, Irving's value around the NBA has basically plummeted to zero amid his COVID-19 vaccine stance and all his off-court antics.
“The Nets are kind of painted into a corner,” said Mannix, per Larry Brown Sports. “They can’t really trade him. I was asking around a couple of teams, just for their opinion on the trade value of Kyrie Irving. It’s virtually zero. I mean, he makes $35 million this year, and he’s as unpredictable as you get so why would you give up anything of value to get him back in return?”
It doesn't look like the Nets have any plans to trade Kyrie Irving at this point in time. While he was linked with a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant was reportedly against it.
However, the recent issues surrounding the superstar guard is undoubtedly not good and could even be considered a distraction. If what Mannix said is true as well, the Nets would have a difficult time moving Irving since several teams see his issues as extra baggage they want no part of.
Of course at the end of the day, playing is what matters more. Should Irving be able to show that he can still impact winning like he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers in their championship season, his value should increase once again. However, whether he would be able to suit up due to his vaccination stance and the mandate in New York is a topic for another day.
Hopefully, though, the issues surrounding Irving won't extend until the season.
