A few months ago, we weren't so sure Kyrie Irving wanted to remain in Cleveland past this season. Well, we can put all those rumors to bed. On Tuesday morning, Irving agreed to a 5-year $92 million extension wth the Cavaliers rather than sign a contract extension that allowed for an opt-out after year three, analogous to the deal LeBron James signed in 2007, Irving opted for the maximum allowed salary.
The Cavaliers may have endured a rough four-year span since James departed for Miami, but it could be worse. They could be stuck in the same predicament faced by Minnesota, which declined to give Love a five-year extension (Kaaaaaahhn!!!!) who now holds them hostage heading into a contract season.
If Irving had declined an extension, he would have played the next two seasons for approximately $16.2 million and the Cavs would still have the ability to match any offers he received as a restricted free agent.
This was a Shawshank-Cleveland sammich from which there was no escape courtesy of the CBA circa 2011 from the beginning and this was the best possible solution. This could work out for the best though. The drafting of Andrew Wiggins seems to implicate that things may be looking up for Cleveland after all.
