There were a few trades in the NBA before the deadline that shook up the landscape of the league. The Brooklyn Nets provided the biggest surprises, as they had an unexpected firesale trading away Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
It felt like a parting of ways would come eventually after both players sought a move in the offseason. But for a trade request to come from Irving days before the deadline with the team in a great position was truly shocking.
It was a situation that Durant revealed he had no idea about. In his first interview since being traded, he opened up about how disappointing it was to see Irving ask for a trade and not see things through with the Nets.
“I was upset that we couldn’t finish. I thought that we had some good momentum. We were finally building the culture that we always wanted,” Durant said. “But I didn’t know what was going on with Kyrie and his situation… It was a blow to our team. That was tough for me to stomach. I loved playing with those guys throughout the year.”
Durant could have seen things through with his teammates the remainder of the season had he really wanted to. But Nets ownership and management likely wanted to just pull the bandaid off all at once, getting as much value for Durant as they could as their championship window was closed without Irving in the fold.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving & Brooklyn Nets Updates
His tenure with the team, which began when Durant and Irving signed with the Nets as free agents in 2019, is arguably one of the biggest failed eras in NBA history. Brooklyn eventually added James Harden to the mix as well, but the trio fell short of the expectations set.
A big reason for that was their inability to stay on the court together. Durant, Irving and Harden played only 17 games together. During Durant’s time in Brooklyn, the team won only one playoff series.
“We just didn’t get on the court enough. I think when you saw James, Kyrie, and myself, it was amazing basketball for 17 games. But in order for you to win a championship and to be a great team you just need more time on the floor,” Durant said. “It’s another story about why we didn’t get on the floor together… But those are hall-of-fame players that I learned a lot from every day and I’m wishing them the best as well. It just didn’t work out.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Being traded is arguably the toughest part of the business of being a professional athlete. Even if you know it is coming it is still something that is very difficult to deal with. On the court, it has its challenges, but off of it is really where it hits home.
“I built a family over there. They’re always gonna be a part of my journey… I love those guys. I get emotional talking about them because that was a special 4 years of my career coming off an Achilles. They helped me through a lot.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving & Brooklyn Nets Updates
After failing to win a championship with the Nets, Durant will now try and help the Phoenix Suns to their first championship in franchise history. Adding him to a lineup with Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton is going to be a lot for opponents to handle as the Suns are now the favorites to come out of the Western Conference.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
