Kyrie Irving: A Basketball Star with a $90 Million Net Worth
Kyrie Irving is an Australian-American basketball player known for his dazzling ball-handling skills and clutch performances. With a remarkable net worth of $90 million, he has been a dominant force in the NBA since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. Born on March 23, 1992, Kyrie is now 32 years old and currently earns a base salary of $37 million. His basketball journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, on and off the court. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at his career, controversies, and the path that led to his financial success.
Early Life and Passion for Basketball
Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia, but relocated to the United States with his family at the age of two. Basketball was always in his blood—his father, Drederick Irving, was a standout player at Boston University before playing professionally in Australia. Tragically, Kyrie lost his mother when he was just four years old, leading his aunts to play a significant role in his upbringing. Despite the hardships, his love for basketball grew, setting the foundation for his future success.
Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey, Kyrie developed a deep passion for basketball. With his father’s guidance and support, he honed his skills from an early age. By the time he reached high school, it was evident that he was a standout talent. He began his high school career at Montclair Kimberley Academy before transferring to St. Patrick High School, where he quickly gained national recognition.
His outstanding performances earned him a place on the Junior National Select Team and a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the top young prospects in the country.
Although Kyrie received a scholarship offer from Boston University, he ultimately chose to attend Duke University. However, his college career was cut short due to a ligament injury, limiting him to just 11 games. Despite this setback, his talent was undeniable, and he declared for the 2011 NBA Draft.
NBA Career: From Cleveland to Dallas
In the 2011 NBA Draft, Kyrie was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. With his elite ball-handling and sharp shooting, he quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise.
His defining moment came in 2016 when he played a crucial role in leading the Cavaliers to an NBA Championship. His clutch three-pointer in Game 7 of the Finals against the Golden State Warriors remains one of the most memorable shots in NBA history, helping Cleveland secure its first-ever championship.
However, after the 2017 season, Kyrie shocked the basketball world by requesting a trade from Cleveland. He was subsequently dealt to the Boston Celtics, where his tenure was marked by both moments of brilliance and frustration. Injuries plagued his time in Boston, preventing him from fully realizing his potential with the team.
In 2019, Kyrie signed a lucrative four-year, $141 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, teaming up with Kevin Durant to form a highly anticipated duo. While he delivered impressive performances on the court, his time with the Nets was overshadowed by injuries and controversies, which often made headlines and impacted the team’s chemistry.
In 2023, following a trade request and a series of off-court controversies, Kyrie was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks. He later signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the team, further solidifying his financial success and adding to his growing net worth.
Salary and Endorsements
Kyrie currently earns a base salary of $37 million per year. Throughout his career, he has amassed hundreds of millions of dollars through NBA contracts and endorsement deals. His previous contracts with the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Nets played a significant role in building his wealth, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Apart from his salary, Kyrie has earned a substantial income through endorsements. In 2014, he signed an $11 million-per-year deal with Nike, and his signature shoe line became one of the brand’s top sellers. However, in December 2022, Nike terminated its partnership with Kyrie following an antisemitism controversy, costing him millions in potential earnings.
Beyond Nike, Kyrie has had endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi and Skullcandy. He has also made appearances in commercials and even starred in the 2018 basketball-themed movie Uncle Drew. Through a combination of NBA contracts, endorsements, and business ventures, Kyrie has successfully built his $90 million net worth.
Controversies and Challenges
Kyrie Irving’s career has been defined by both brilliance and controversy. In 2021, he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which led to him being ineligible to play home games for the Brooklyn Nets due to New York City’s indoor vaccination mandate. He later claimed that this decision cost him nearly $100 million in lost salary and endorsements.
In November 2022, Kyrie sparked another major controversy when he shared a social media post that was widely interpreted as antisemitic. The backlash was swift, resulting in a suspension from the Nets and the termination of his Nike deal. Despite these setbacks, Kyrie has managed to maintain financial success, a testament to his skills on the court and business acumen.
Personal Life and Legacy
Kyrie Irving has one daughter from a previous relationship and is known for his philanthropic efforts. Over the years, he has donated millions to various causes, including food banks, educational programs, and social justice initiatives. In 2021, he was formally recognized as a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, embracing his Lakota heritage and deepening his connection to his roots.
Kyrie’s outspoken nature has also made him one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures. From questioning conventional education to promoting conspiracy theories like the flat earth theory, he has never hesitated to share his beliefs. While this has earned him both criticism and admiration, it has undeniably added to his unique legacy in the league.
Real Estate Investments
Kyrie has invested a portion of his wealth into real estate, reportedly owning a luxurious home in New Jersey along with other properties. His financial decisions off the court demonstrate a strategic approach to securing his future beyond basketball.
Conclusion
Kyrie Irving’s journey is one of extraordinary talent, controversy, and resilience. With a net worth of $90 million and a $37 million base salary, he remains one of the most skilled and highest-paid players in the NBA. Despite facing numerous challenges, both self-inflicted and external, he continues to thrive, proving that his impact on the game extends far beyond his elite ball-handling skills.
Kyrie’s story is a reminder that greatness often comes with adversity. As he moves forward in his career, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for this enigmatic NBA superstar.
