Just days before the 2022 NBA Free Agency, Kyrie Irving exercised his $36.9 million player option with the Brooklyn Nets. The news broke Monday after seemingly endless rumors about him headed to different teams throughout the league.
Stephen A. Smith took to Twitter on Tuesday to voice his opinion on Irving's opt-in. In the two-minute video, he bashed the Nets guard for his lack of availability last season.
“Took that money didn't you?” Smith said. “So you gotta go to work … Because even if you plan on leaving the Brooklyn Nets … Guess what, Kyrie? No matter what options you may think you have down the road, it all starts with you having to show up to work first. You show up to work, then you got a future where you're going to make your money. You don't show up to work, you're stuck.”
KYRIE opted in!!! pic.twitter.com/89B4kzgJQG
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 28, 2022
“Even if somebody wants you, they're still going to require that you show up to work,” Smith said. He noted the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers as three possible destinations for Irving this season.
Irving only played in 29 of 82 regular season games for the Nets last season, mostly because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. The guard tweeted back at Smith, basically just calling him old.
@stephenasmith you’re gonna have to explain yourself to people in your generation. I am not around many 50 plus year olds that speak and act like you do, so this is new for me. But I am sure my father and my uncles can meet you on your level better than I can. We know you STEPHEN
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) June 28, 2022
Anyone who has ever watched Smith on ESPN knows that he will always get the last word in an argument. On brand, Smith responded to Irving, seemingly ending the conversation with “See you in the FALL!!!!!”
Oh, you’ve got it twisted bro! Big time! @KyrieIrving https://t.co/sVt6KqvJs8 pic.twitter.com/pgaMbltEVX
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 28, 2022
According to recent reports, Irving does plan on “showing up for work” for the Nets this season. And, if he does, he'll prove to Smith and other teams that he has what it takes to sign a long-term deal in the NBA.
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