There is no denying that NBA superstar Kyrie Irving is an excellent basketball talent.
Every time that he steps on the floor he shows why he is one of the best players in the league. He is electric with the ball in his hands, possessing some of the best ball-handling skills in the world while also being a gifted offensive player.
Despite all of that talent, the last few years have been tumultuous ones for Irving. He has struggled to remain on the court, as he missed at least 15 games in both seasons he played with the Boston Celtics. In addition, he has played in only 103 games in three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.
While his numbers have remained strong, Irving has struggled to find team success since leaving LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has been a part of two series victories in the five seasons since he requested a trade from the Cavaliers, which resulted in him being traded to Boston.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Irving shared what he has learned about the business side of the NBA during his career. While talking about that, he revealed that one of the things he regrets from earlier in his career is the trade request he made in 2017.
“When I asked for a trade from Cleveland, the one thing that I look back on is: Did I exhaust as many opportunities to get closer to guys when I felt some type of difference? There was a lot of things that happened in the business that I didn’t understand,” he said. “Asking for a trade — I don’t think it was my time to ask for a trade. And especially to go to Boston, who was No. 2 or No. 1 in our conference, it’s just right down the street. I’m grateful that I had my time there because it was one of the most historical franchises that again, I did not know the power of our industry.
“When I reflect on it, at 30 years old I can say I understand the business better, I understand the way that roles work, and if anybody can sit here honestly and say they messed up, it was me. Because if I’m saying that it is family-run and relationship-run, then while I was in these situations I didn’t handle all of those relationships as I would have wanted.”
Irving has spoken candidly about having newfound respect and admiration for James and his time with the Cavaliers since departing. As he shared in the interview, he has now realized the errors in his ways, realizing that he may not have done as much as he could have to repair relationships or overcome issues that were being faced.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors
Irving was seeking the chance to be the No. 1 option when he requested a trade, something he has found out the hard way is not as easy to find success in as James made it seem. Teaming up with Kevin Durant was one way to help overcome that, but the results have not been as fruitful as he had hoped.
