Kyrie Irving Slams NBA Salary Transparency: “It Puts a Target on Someone’s Life”
Dallas, July 29, 2025 – NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has ignited a firestorm of discussion with his recent comments criticizing the public disclosure of NBA players’ salaries. Speaking on a Twitch stream, the Dallas Mavericks guard argued that revealing exact contract figures not only fuels unnecessary scrutiny but also endangers players by making them targets for crime and exploitation.
“Why is it that everyone knows exactly what we make? It’s like putting a target on someone’s life,” Irving said, pointing out the contrast between athletes and other high-earners like Fortune 500 CEOs, whose salaries are less publicized. “It creates this awkward dynamic where people feel entitled to judge you or approach you based on what they read online.”
Irving, who inked a three-year, $120 million deal with the Mavericks in 2023, emphasized the personal and safety implications. High-profile burglaries targeting stars like Luka Dončić and DeMar DeRozan have raised concerns about the risks of publicized wealth. “You’ve got fans, media, even strangers dissecting your worth, and it’s not just talk—it can lead to real consequences,” he noted.
The 33-year-old also highlighted the emotional toll, describing how questions about his contract feel invasive. “People see the numbers and think they know you. It’s personal, man.” He acknowledged that salary leaks drive fan engagement and media hype but questioned their necessity. “It’s part of the game’s appeal, sure, but at what cost?”
Reactions on X and Reddit are split. Supporters like @KiddMuse_ argue that public salaries dehumanize players, likening it to “posting a cashier’s paycheck on their name tag.” Critics, however, like @NBATalk247, say fame itself makes players targets, not specific figures. “Everyone already knows they’re rich,” one user commented.
The NBA’s salary transparency stems from a loosely enforced collective bargaining agreement, with agents and teams often leaking details. While it fuels debates about value—think Ben Simmons’ $170 million deal or Bradley Beal’s $97 million buyout—it’s a tradition unlikely to change soon.
Currently sidelined by a March 2025 ACL injury, Irving is focused on recovery, with a potential return in early 2026. His comments, however, have sparked a broader conversation about privacy and safety in the NBA, cementing his role as a provocateur unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Fadeaway World, X posts