03 February 2023 , 20:14
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NBA megastar Kyrie Irving has demanded a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets, just days after his agent confirmed the 31-year-old wanted to make the place his home.
Irving is out of contract at the end of the season having picked up the one-year player option on his current deal, and has now apparently told the Nets that if he doesn't get a trade away in the next six days, he'll leave in free agency.
The All-Star guard is close friends with team-mate Kevin Durant, and both demanded trades away from the Barclays Center last summer, only for the Nets to rebuff both demands.
Irving has been forced to bear the burden of the work for the Nets recently with Durant injured, and has been in good form. That form had led to suggestions he could be willing to bury the hatchet with the team and sign an extension.
The Nets apparently offered him a contract recently which contained guarantee stipulations, and Irving was reportedly not best pleased with the offer presented to him.
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His agent, however, remained confident that a deal could be worked out. Shetellia Irving said: “Around Kyrie and staying with the Nets? I have reached out to the Nets regarding this.”
Kyrie Irving demanded a trade on Friday evening“We have had no significant conversations to date. The desire is to make Brooklyn home, with the right type of extension, which means the ball is in the Nets’ court to communicate now if their desire is the same.”
Despite his agent's comments, it seems contract discussions went nowhere, and now Irving faces the prospect of being forced to stay in Brooklyn until the summer.
His trade demand also leads to some interesting discussions over Durant's future. Last summer it was believed he could be moved on, and if his friend is able to secure a move away, he might become unhappy again.