When Kyrie Irving joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, it followed a challenging season with the Boston Celtics that had damaged his standing as a positive locker room presence. Despite concerns about his fit, the Nets were willing to take a chance on Irving, who was part of a high-profile roster makeover that also included the acquisition of Kevin Durant and James Harden. Irving has since expressed regret over his decision, believing that he was not the Nets’ primary target but more a secondary addition in Brooklyn’s plans.
How the Nets Prioritized Kevin Durant Over Irving
During a recent Twitch stream, Irving revealed that his interactions with Brooklyn’s front office were limited, and he never had meaningful meetings with key executives such as the general manager or assistant GM. This lack of engagement left him feeling sidelined in the decision-making process. Irving stated,
“I didn’t meet with the front office one time. I didn’t meet with the GM one time. The assistant GM one time. Literally, when I look back at that decision, I’m like, man, I should have taken some more time to delegate, figure out what’s best for me…Brooklyn, I wish that we had gotten a chance to get to know them beforehand. Because they weren’t f—–g with me like that…And that’s just me. That’s my perspective. That’s my perspective. Now, did they want me on the team? Sure. You can say that. But Kenny Atkinson wasn’t f——g with me like that, bro. The Nets didn’t want me like that. They wanted KD.”
—Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets guard
Irving’s Transition from Boston to Brooklyn Proved Complicated
Irving’s departure from the Celtics was abrupt and complicated by numerous burnt bridges within Boston’s organization, despite then-executive Danny Ainge’s vision of building a team around Irving, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. Moving back to his hometown presented a hopeful opportunity, especially as it reunited him with close friend Kevin Durant. However, the arrival of James Harden further reduced Irving’s role as a leading figure on the team.
The difficult nature of Irving’s exit and subsequent arrival in Brooklyn meant he was stepping into a less favorable situation than he had anticipated. He admitted that had he been more deliberate, he might have better understood the reality awaiting him in Brooklyn. As the saying goes, when you “drop a grenade and run,” you often have no clear vision of where you land — an apt description of Irving’s leap from Boston to Brooklyn.
Results and Impact of Irving’s Tenure with the Nets
Ultimately, Kyrie Irving’s time with the Brooklyn Nets did not produce the desired outcomes for either side. The collaboration failed to bring consistent success or stability, marking a difficult chapter in Irving’s career. In contrast, Irving is now flourishing with the Dallas Mavericks, a team where he is valued and relied upon heavily, showcasing a better version of himself on the court.
Despite Irving’s current resurgence, his tenure in Brooklyn remains a significant blemish on his professional record. This period will likely be remembered as a time of missed opportunities and misaligned expectations, casting a shadow over his otherwise accomplished career.
The Broader Implications for Players and Teams
Irving’s experience underscores the critical importance of communication and clarity during high-profile player acquisitions. For teams, ensuring that all players feel genuinely wanted and integrated into the organization’s culture can greatly influence performance and morale. For athletes, careful assessment of team dynamics and front-office support is essential before committing to a new environment. The Brooklyn Nets, Irving, and the NBA as a whole can take lessons from this episode on how crucial it is to align intentions and expectations mutually.