Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving requested trades from the Brooklyn Nets, and every wish was granted.
Durant first requested a trade over the summer, but he and the Nets temporarily settled their differences. However, just before the deadline, Irving asked to leave and was sent to the Dallas Mavericks.
Just a few days later, the Nets’ KD and Kyrie were officially over, as Durant went to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster.
Their requests garnered criticism from fans everywhere, but they don’t see any problem with it.
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Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets react during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 6, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachmann/Getty Images)
Durant actually said it’s a positive for the league, because «it’s bringing more eyes» to the drama the NBA has to offer.
«The tweets I’ve been getting and the news we’ve been getting about me being traded, Kyrie being traded, it just brings more attention to the league and that’s really what makes you money when you get more attention.» durant said. «I think it’s great for the league, to be honest. Teams have been trading players and making acquisitions for a long time, now when a player can dictate where he wants to go, go free agency or demand a trade, it’s just part of the game now. I don’t think it’s a bad thing.»
(L-R) Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, Kevin Durant and general manager James Jones pose for a photo at a news conference at the Footprint Center on February 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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While Durant focused on the league aspect, Irving said there’s simply nothing wrong with wanting the best for one’s life and career.
«Why doesn’t anyone have the ability to request trades?» irving said. «That’s my question, when did it become terrible to make big business decisions for yourself, your happiness and your peace of mind? Not every employer you’ll get along with. So if you have the opportunity to go somewhere else and I’m doing it Legally, I don’t think there’s a problem with that.»
«Again, the speculation and the narratives are what make this entertainment seem a little more important or more of a priority than it really is, like it’s my life,» he continued. «It’s not just a dream that everyone can gossip about. I take it very seriously and most of the work I do goes unseen, so I don’t know if it will ever be truly appreciated.»
Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Durant and Irving at one point competed to win a championship together; now, there’s a chance they’ll battle each other for that title in the Western Conference playoff bracket.