Kyrie Irving’s latest cryptic comment suggests bombshell could be looming

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving could be a free agent this offseason. His latest comment on Instagram suggests a big story is looming.

Irving, when healthy, is arguably the most talented ball-handler in the NBA.

Unfortunately, he takes himself off the floor all too often, and often leaves chaos in his wake. Yet, teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers have few options, and would be willing to take in Irving to team up with a familiar face in LeBron James.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there are few if any potential sign-and-trade options for Kyrie minus the Lakers. Were he to opt out and become a free agent, the only way Los Angeles could afford Irving would be if he took a $30 million paycut.

As much as Irving enjoys winning and playing with LBJ, that feels unlikely.

Yet, from the man himself, a storm is coming. Be ready for some big Kyrie news in the coming days.

NBA rumors: Kyrie Irving update could be looming

The Nets have been reluctant to offer Kyrie a maximum contract, yet he can ensure he earns $36.5 million next season in Brooklyn simply by opting into the final year of his deal by Wednesday.

If he misses that deadline, he’ll become a free agent, where anything can happen.

Los Angeles would prefer a sign-and-trade for Irving, as it could help them swap some salary with Brooklyn. If they are forced to wait until free agency, their odds of landing Kyrie decrease significantly, as detailed above. Irving could sign for only $6 million in LA, unless the Lakers are able to shed a lot of salary very quickly.

With Irving hinting something big is looming, then perhaps the sides are talking. Brooklyn gave Kyrie the go-ahead to negotiate a sign-and-trade for himself, but that has proven tough so far.

If Irving does leave Brooklyn, Kevin Durant could be out the door as well. But that’s a story for a different day. Irving will be the first shoe to drop.