As one of the NBA’s most outspoken players, Kyrie Irving is no stranger to saying what’s on his mind. And, thanks to his newest contract, the Mavericks star again found himself going viral after The Ringer’s Bill Simmons trolled him over the deal.
The three-year, $126 million contract Irving inked to return to Dallas when free agency opened on Friday sparked several reactions, and perhaps none caught as much fire as a tweet shared by Simmons—one of the more vocal critics of Irving’s off-court drama in recent years.
“Dallas had to go to 3 for 126m for Kyrie because there were at least 3 other teams ready to offer 2 [years] for 25 [million],” Simmons wrote, taking a jab at the reportedly shallow list of Irving’s free-agent suitors.
While the comment suggested Simmons didn’t agree with the compensation, the longtime NBA analyst and avid Celtics fan’s dig appeared—to some—to be just as much about his issues with Irving from his troubled run in Boston from 2017 to ’19.
But, for Irving, the moment didn’t lead to anything more than a simple retort as the eight-time All-Star opted to avoid controversy and take the high road.
“I see you couldn’t help yourself with this one huh Billy Boy,” he wrote. “Just wanna say I appreciate you and continue to be the person you are. My Tribe says hello.”
I see you couldn’t help yourself with this one huh Billy Boy. Just wanna say I appreciate you and continue to be the person you are. My Tribe says hello.
— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) July 1, 2023
Hélà
🤞🏾♾
Given their track records, it may be safe to say the exchange may not be the last between Irving and Simmons. But, at least for now, the 31-year-old appears to be focused on avoiding another public war of words as he continues his fresh start in Dallas.
