“I would never give him a long-term contract again, he cannot be trusted” - Stephen A. Smith sounds off on Kyrie Irving as rumors about Nets star's contract emerge

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes that Kyrie Irving should not receive a long-term contract due to his consistent lack of availability. Smith stated:

"I would never give him a long-term contract again! He cannot be trusted."

Irving is among the best players when available. However, the Brooklyn Nets star has missed so many games that giving him a long-term contract is inadvisable, according to Stephen A. Smith.

With the Brooklyn Nets trailing the Boston Celtics 3-0, speculation about the Nets' offseason plans has begun.

An important decision will pertain to Irving's future, who can opt out of his contract after the season.

If Irving chooses to do so, he could re-sign a new super-max that would establish him as one of the league's highest paid players over the next four years.

Only the Nets' front office and locker room truly know whether Irving can be trusted, but there is some data to back up Stephen A. Smith.

Availability is a critical component of success, and Irving has been available for less than half of his games as a member of the Nets.

However, Stephen A. Smith did compliment Irving and believes he still deserves to get paid, just not on a long-term contract.

Kyrie Irving's comments that led to Stephen A. Smith's rant about the Brooklyn Nets star

Irving's recent comments about team chemistry had Stephen A. Smith heated.

While Stephen A. Smith is known for his spirited rants, his rant about Kyrie Irving was prompted by comments made by Irving.

During a recent press conference, Irving spoke about why Brooklyn is struggling in their playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

Irving highlights the team's struggles with chemistry, but chemistry is only formed by playing together.

In addition to Irving, several other Nets players have missed substantial time over the past two seasons.

Irving is not exempt from his role in the current state of the team, but their chemistry issues go beyond just him.

Still, Brooklyn will need to evaluate how they want to proceed with Irving, otherwise, they may never solve their chemistry issues.