Kyrie Irving: we already named a city after him!

[cow]

That's fair.

What I am seeing is them paying a huge price in assets, KNOWING just about exactly what it will cost to keep Kyrie. They didn't get rid of the crap contracts, gave up very good players, and gave up a valuable pick. But if they don't write the check, it's all for just 2 months? I just don't see it.

To me, this is another KP-like swing. The Mavs knew the cost in that case as well. Back then, there were similar "what if he walks" questions, and "will the Mavs really offer him a max deal" and so on. And there was also consternation over giving up an unprotected pick (!) and another one on top!

But the contract was no biggie at all, when it came down to it. (Nor was the pick. After all the hand-wring, it ended up being a pick in the 20s iirc.)

KP big swing didn't work for other reasons, of course. (It was because KP mostly was NOT the player he was cracked up to be, plus the injuries. He had skills, to be sure, but a center who likes to play and shoot 30 feet from the basket creates a ton of issues, and the Mavs couldn't solve the puzzle.)

Hopefully this one works out better.

I remember everyone sweating if KP would sign or not and like you said, he did.  I can't imagine the Kyrie situation will be much different.  He wants his money and we are in the cat bird seat.  The fit is also better.  Kyrie is in a different league of talent and ability than KP and he's played off ball willingly and successfully with the likes of LeBron and Harden. 

I'm wouldn't worry much about Kyrie this year when he signs his deal, I wouldn't worry about him the first year.  Beyond that, there is cause for concern is valid.  Dude has never been able to keep his basketball Zen.