The Brooklyn Nets traded Kevin Durant the night Kyrie Irving made his Dallas Mavericks debut. Irving’s departure could have led to the Durant trade. The duo played together for three seasons with the Nets, but their time together was overshadowed by off-court tensions over championship success.
Kyrie Irving reacts to Kevin Durant trade; he throws subtle shots towards Brooklyn Nets
The Durant trade news was reported while Irving was at his first post-game press conference for the Mavericks. The 2016 NBA champion fired subtle shots at the Brooklyn Nets, claiming he was “praying” for the happiness of his former teammate. This is what Irving told reporters (via Callie Caplan):
“I pray for your happiness… We had many conversations throughout the year about what our future would look like. There was still a level of uncertainty, but we only cared about seeing ourselves in places where we can thrive… I’m glad he’s out of there.”
Kyrie Irving reacts to Kevin Durant’s trade news: “I’m praying for his happiness.” He hopes to see KD more often now that they’re back in the same conference. The Mavs play the Suns in Dallas on March 5. https://t.co/kPRtbSPicv
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant had a tumultuous tenure in Brooklyn. The former, in particular, often had run-ins with the team’s management. Irving’s frequent absence for various reasons drove a wedge between him and the Nets. Their differences affected James Harden and Kevin Durant, and they eventually asked to be traded.
Harden fulfilled his first request at the 2022 deadline, while Durant granted his wish on his second attempt a few days ago. Irving and the Nets’ contract negotiations fell apart leading to his move, diminishing Brooklyn’s hopes of winning a championship, despite having Durant on the team.
KD is now with the team of his choice, along with Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The Phoenix Suns are well run from a management standpoint and are among the best-trained teams in the NBA. They have been one of the most successful regular season teams over the past two seasons. They reached the final two years ago and will have a better chance of winning the title with Durant.
Kyrie Irving fired in the direction of the Nets over their disagreements and hinted that the organization could have been better with how they treated him and Kevin Durant.
Reporter: “Do you feel like your trade was the first domino to fall?” [in Brooklyn]?” Kyrie Irving: “This was in the works like after year 1. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in Brooklyn long-term again because of things going on behind the scenes.” https://t.co/7YhUY32mFR
The two superstars had very few moments where they were in tune with the franchise. However, their failed marriage has now finally come to an end, and only the parties involved will know exactly where it all ended.
The Brooklyn Nets could likely enter a rebuild following the end of the Kyrie Irving-Kevin Durant era, while the two will compete for a championship as same-conference rivals.
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