Kyrie Irving Net Worth

Kyrie Irving’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career: A Deep Dive

Kyrie Irving’s Net Worth and Salary

Kyrie Irving, a name synonymous with exceptional basketball skills, is a prominent figure in the NBA. Beyond his on-court prowess, many are curious about his financial standing. As of late 2023, Kyrie Irving’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million. This figure encompasses earnings from his NBA contracts, lucrative endorsement deals, and other ventures. His base salary reflects his status as a high-performing player, currently at $37 million. However, Irving’s earnings have been impacted by both his success and the controversies that have followed him throughout his career.

Irving’s career has been marked by significant highs and lows. Drafted first overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he quickly established himself as a star. He played for the Cavaliers until 2017, then spent two seasons with the Boston Celtics (2017-2019), and subsequently joined the Brooklyn Nets. His achievements include an NBA championship title in 2016 with the Cavs and seven NBA All-Star selections. He also earned an Olympic gold medal representing the United States.

Early Life and Background

Kyrie Irving’s journey began on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia. Though born in Australia, both of his parents are American expatriates. When he was just two years old, his family relocated to the United States. His father, Drederick Irving, had a significant influence on his career, having played college basketball at Boston University and later in Australia’s professional league.

Tragedy struck early in Kyrie’s life when his mother passed away when he was four. The death of his mother led to his aunts playing a vital role in his upbringing. Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey, Irving’s ambition to play in the NBA was evident from a young age. He frequently trained at Boston University, leveraging his father’s connection to the university. His high school years were marked by exceptional performances, leading to a spot on the Junior National Select team and a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship. Despite a scholarship to Boston University, Irving chose Duke University. His college career was cut short by an injury, but it set the stage for his early entry into the NBA draft.

Getty

NBA Career Highlights

Kyrie Irving’s NBA career began in 2011 when he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His rookie season was impressive, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. However, his early career was marked by injuries. A hand injury in practice and a finger injury at the start of his second season presented challenges.

Despite these setbacks, Irving showed immense potential. A 41-point performance against the New York Knicks earned him his first All-Star selection. He continued to excel, securing a lucrative contract extension with the Cavaliers after the 2013-2014 season. The 2014-2015 season saw him deliver outstanding performances, including a 55-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, a knee injury in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors sidelined him for several months. The Cavaliers eventually lost the finals.

Irving’s comeback in the 2015-2016 season played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ championship run. They overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the finals against the Golden State Warriors. Irving’s performance in the series was crucial. He also helped the USA Basketball Team win a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

In 2017, he requested a trade and was sent to the Boston Celtics, making an immediate impact on his new team. Yet, injuries continued to plague his career. A left knee surgery in the 2018-2019 season caused him to miss a significant part of the season. In 2019, Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets. His debut with the Nets saw him score 50 points, but further injuries followed, including a shoulder injury that led to missed games. He was later traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2023.

Controversies and Their Impact

Kyrie Irving’s career, while filled with exceptional performances, has also been marked by controversies that have had financial implications. His refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021 led to him missing a significant portion of the season. The New York City indoor COVID vaccination mandate prevented him from playing home games, and he later estimated that this stance cost him around $100 million in salary and endorsement opportunities. The situation underscored the impact of personal choices on his career.

In November 2022, a social media post by Irving led to accusations of antisemitism, causing further controversy. Nike terminated its contract with him in December 2022 as a result. These controversies highlight the interplay between a player’s actions, public perception, and financial outcomes.

Endorsements and Other Ventures

Kyrie Irving’s marketability has extended beyond basketball, leading to numerous endorsement deals. He has partnered with brands like Pepsi and Skullcandy. He has also capitalized on his image through creative ventures. One notable example is his role as “Uncle Drew” in Pepsi Max commercials, which evolved into a feature film in 2018. He has also made guest appearances on Disney’s Kickin’ It and provided voice acting in Family Guy, demonstrating his versatility.

His endorsement deals, including the Nike contract, have contributed significantly to his earnings. The Nike deal, signed in 2014, was worth $11 million per year, making his signature shoes among the best-selling in the market. His earnings from salary and endorsements have been substantial, with figures of $36 million in both June 2017 and June 2018, $43 million between June 2018 and June 2019, and $40 million between June 2019 and June 2020.

Irving’s earnings have also come from lucrative contracts with NBA teams. In 2014, he signed a five-year contract with the Cavaliers worth $94 million. In 2019, he signed a four-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets for $141 million, which averaged to $35 million per year. In 2023, he re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million deal.

Personal Life and Legacy

Kyrie Irving has one child from a previous relationship. His personal life also includes moments of reflection and solidarity. After the death of Kobe Bryant, Irving missed a scheduled game to mourn. He adopted a plant-based diet at one point in his career. He has also expressed his belief in certain conspiracy theories and criticized the education system.

Irving has a deep connection to his heritage. In 2021, he became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, honoring his Lakota heritage and family ties to the community. Kyrie Irving’s legacy is multifaceted, defined by his remarkable basketball skills, his endorsement success, his controversial moments, and his connection to his cultural roots. His impact on the game and his financial success continue to be subjects of interest and discussion.

/**/