09 February 2023 , 14:38
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Kyrie Irving's comments after the Brooklyn Nets agreed to trade Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns just days after he departed speak volumes.
Irving and Durant both joined the Nets in 2019, both leaving 'super-teams' in the Boston Celtics (Irving) and Golden State Warriors (Durant) in their attempt to ignite the lowly-Nets to championship contention.
But what followed was years of disappointments, with both men struggling with injuries, and Irving missing considerable time - as well as their being highly-publicised failed trades.
Durant first asked to be traded this past summer, admitting he was worried about the direction of the franchise, but chose to stay. Then during the season, Irving demanded a trade request after being unhappy with his situation, stating that he did not feel respected, and was ultimately dealt to the Dallas Mavericks.
The trade away of Irving must have unsettled Durant, as it was almost immediately reported that he too was looking to get out, with the Nets potentially knowing it might be time to give up on the direction that they were attempting to go in.
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And on Wednesday night, Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns, with the Nets acquiring a number of first-round draft picks and young players in both moves - a sign that they are now looking to rebuild their roster and go again.
Irving had been playing in his Mavericks debut when he became aware of the news, and was asked about the trade after the game. In a shot towards his former team, he said: "I'm just glad he got out of there."
Kevin Durant has joined Phoenix Suns from Brooklyn Nets (Getty Images)He went on to discuss the 'super-team' of he, Durant and James Harden, who was also traded away after a rocky period with the team. Irving acknowledged that they did not play much together due to injuries, but believes everything happens for a reason, and is now thankful to be in Dallas with Luka Doncic.
It's been a tough go around for the Brooklyn Nets in recent years - a franchise who are in dire need of success after now putting together two 'super-teams' - moves which have failed drastically.
Since moving to Brookyn from New Jersey in 2012, the Nets have been desperate to make their stamp on the NBA.
Irving, Durant and James Harden have now all left the Nets (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)In 2013, the Nets traded for NBA hall of famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for a number of draft picks to the Boston Celtics - a trade which is now acknowledged as one of the worst in NBA history. Pierce and Garnett, both in their late 30's, were not the same players that they once were, and ended up retiring just a few years later.
The draft picks that the Nets gave to the Celtics, turned out to be Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown - two all-stars who some would argue are the best duo in the NBA.
Durant now joins the Suns in another super-team, playing with Chris Paul and Devin Booker.