Kyrie Irving ended his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets midway through the 2022-23 NBA season, signing with the Dallas Mavericks. This departure, after sharing the court with Kevin Durant, James Harden, and under coach Steve Nash, led to rampant speculation about tensions between Irving and Durant or Nash. However, Irving publicly dismissed these rumors, emphasizing that no animosity exists between them.
During a Twitch livestream, Irving directly addressed the circulating reports by stating he holds no grudges despite their challenging collaboration in Brooklyn.
“I just want to say this as a disclaimer, me and KD are not beefing. I’m not beefing with Steve Nash. I’m not beefing with anybody,” Kyrie Irving said.
Challenges During Irving’s Brooklyn Stint and Team Instability
Irving’s time with the Nets from 2019 to 2023 was fraught with obstacles, including multiple injuries and restrictions due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which excluded him from home games during the 2021 season. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, fresh from an Achilles injury suffered in the 2019 Finals with the Golden State Warriors, joined Brooklyn in 2020 before Harden arrived in 2021.
Despite the high-profile roster, Irving, Durant, and Harden only managed to play together in 16 games because of injuries and other issues. Eventually, the trio and the team disbanded in 2023: Irving moved to Dallas, Harden was traded to Philadelphia to play alongside Joel Embiid, and Durant signed with the Phoenix Suns.
Steve Nash’s coaching role with the Nets ended in 2022, after which he transitioned to a media position as an analyst for Amazon Prime’s upcoming NBA coverage.
Irving’s Loyalty During Durant’s Injury Recovery in Brooklyn
Before joining the Nets, Kevin Durant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, which significantly delayed his debut in Brooklyn. Irving revealed that their plan to form a strong duo in Brooklyn was set prior to Durant’s injury, and despite Durant’s long period of rehabilitation, Irving remained committed to that vision.
“KD had just tore his Achilles in the Finals. Me and him were planning on doing things to go to Brooklyn. I don’t know any of you guys that would still stick it out with one of your friends that tears their Achilles and wait a year and a half for them to get healthy, but I’m that dude. I’m not about to leave K out there after a torn Achilles,” Irving said.
“I waited for my brother to get healthy.”
Looking Ahead: Irving’s Recovery and New Beginnings with the Mavericks
Currently sidelined by an ACL injury, Kyrie Irving is focusing on his rehabilitation with hopes of returning to the court soon. Once healthy, he will join a rebuilt Dallas Mavericks roster centered around Anthony Davis and highly anticipated rookie Cooper Flagg. This fresh lineup offers Irving the opportunity to start anew after a tumultuous chapter in Brooklyn.
Irving’s affirmation of no lingering conflicts with Durant or Nash, alongside his expressed loyalty, sheds new light on the Brooklyn Nets era. His comments suggest a professionally respectful relationship despite difficulties, while his upcoming season with the Mavericks marks a significant fresh start.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?
A. During the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, on February 19, Durant achieved his first 50-point game by scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.
Q. Is Kevin Durant a billionaire?
A. According to AfroTech, Kevin Durant’s net worth is $75 million.