Kyrie Irving recently shared his thoughts on his time with the Brooklyn Nets, revealing frustrations about how he was valued within the team. During a candid livestream, Irving suggested that the franchise’s primary focus was on his teammate Kevin Durant, leaving him feeling like a secondary figure despite his significant contract.
Challenges Within the High-Profile Partnership
The partnership between Irving and Durant began six years ago in Brooklyn, yet public discourse about their relationship remains complex. Their tenure, especially during the period when James Harden also joined, was marked by scrutiny and tension. Irving openly criticized the team environment, saying,
I wish that we got a chance to get to know them beforehand because they wasn’t f—— with me like that.
He specifically pointed to former head coach Kenny Atkinson’s attitude, stating,
The Nets didn’t want me like that. They wanted KD.
These remarks highlight Irving’s feeling that the Nets’ intentions leaned heavily toward prioritizing Durant. He implied that his acquisition was more about enabling Durant’s presence rather than being appreciated for his own talent. This perception aligns with widespread speculation that Brooklyn’s main target during free agency was Durant over Irving.
Contract Details Highlight the Disparity in Franchise Commitment
Examining their contract figures sheds light on Irving’s claims. In 2019, Irving agreed to a four-year deal worth $136.5 million, which averages about $34.1 million a year. Durant’s contract was larger, a four-year pact for $164 million, or approximately $41 million annually. This suggests that the Nets were willing to allocate a significantly higher financial commitment to Durant.
Although high-value contracts have become more frequent in the NBA, the difference in investment between the two players remains notable. For context, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder sets a new standard at $71 million per year, reflecting the evolving market for superstar talent across the league.
Reflecting on the Lasting Impact of a Difficult Tenure
As Kyrie Irving moves forward in his career beyond Brooklyn, his comments underline the complexities experienced by star athletes regarding their roles and respect within NBA franchises. His description of feeling like a $136.5 million sidekick offers insight into the challenges of fitting into a team structure where one player may be prioritized over another.
Irving’s openness invites fans and analysts to reconsider the dynamics of player relationships in professional basketball, especially when large contracts and superstar expectations are involved. The tension and unresolved issues from his time with the Brooklyn Nets are likely to remain a topic of discussion as both Irving and Durant continue their careers elsewhere.