FILE – Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets gestures during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. Greg Fiume/Getty Images/AFP
Star guard Kyrie Irving said Saturday he plans to sign a contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets this offseason.
The seven-time All-Star could become an unrestricted free agent this summer but said he wants to keep playing with teammate Kevin Durant.
“There’s no way I’m leaving my man No. 7 anywhere,” Irving said, referencing Durant’s jersey number.
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets hugs Kyrie Irving #11 after the second half against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on March 13, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 110-107. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP
Irving, 30, is in the final guaranteed season of a four-year, $136.5 million contract signed in July 2019. He holds a player option for $36.5 million for the 2022-23 season.
Durant, 33, signed a four-year, $194 million extension in August that keeps him in Brooklyn through the 2025-26 campaign.
Irving has posted 28.5 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds this season through 20 games, all on the road, heading into Saturday night’s game at Miami. He is expected to make his home debut Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets after New York City on Thursday eased restrictions for unvaccinated players.