Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is heading into a player-option 2022-23 but he'll also be looking for a lucrative extension. The guard has made it clear he wants to be with the Nets long-term, but GM Sean Marks raised some eyebrows recently when asked about Irving's future with the franchise.

Marks essentially said he wants players that are going to be “available” and want to be part of something “bigger than themselves”. Without actually saying Kyrie's name, that was a clear shot at the Nets PG. Irving played just 29 games in 2021-22 after missing substantial time because of his vaccine saga.

By no surprise, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who has been a vocal figure during this entire Kyrie situation, applauded Marks for his comments. Via Nets Wire:

“About time. Thank God, thank God Sean Marks said what he needed to say. We know who that was for. We know what that was about. That’s exactly what needed to be said. We need people who are going to be here and be available. It’s that simple.

…. The sad part is all of this noise is being made because we want to see him play. That’s all we want, and that’s what Sean Marks said. And I’m down for that.”

The Nets could've definitely done a lot better if Irving played the entire season. Yes, he failed to show up in the postseason, but there is a firm belief all his drama took a toll on the Brooklyn dressing room.

Kyrie's player option for next season is a whopping $36.5 million. He'd be smart to opt in.