Kyrie Irving opens up about failed Brooklyn Nets superteam and reported rift with Kevin Durant

Kyrie Irving is widely considered one of the most talented players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history and is seen as a future Hall of Famer, thanks to his stellar performances throughout his career.

Irving is arguably the best ball-handler in NBA history and, despite his smaller stature, is able to shoot from nearly impossible positions. Going into the 2021–22 NBA season, Irving was part of a stacked Brooklyn Nets lineup that also featured future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and James Harden.

Much was expected from the trio of Irving, Durant, and Harden, with many picking them as favorites to win the NBA championship that season. However, it turned out to be a season to forget for the franchise. By the time the playoffs began, Harden had already been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Nets suffered a first-round exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics.

“The 7/11 duo of me and [Kevin Durant] will never be topped in terms of being on the court with somebody that special… I’ve played with a lot of great players… He’s one of the best of all-time.”

— Kyrie Irving 🗣️

(via @KyrieIrving/ Twitch)pic.twitter.com/rs4bCs1sIz

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 24, 2025

Durant, in an appearance on Mind the Game, opened up about what went wrong during his time with the Nets — and now Irving has shared his perspective as well. The 33-year-old took to Twitch to state that the franchise cared more about Durant than about him.

However, he reiterated that he had no issue with Durant, Steve Nash (the head coach at the time), or anyone else affiliated with the Nets.

“Me and KD are not beefing. I’m not beefing with Steve Nash. I’m not beefing with anybody, you guys. Alright? This is not personal against KD, and even when he tweeted back at me and said he’s going to have the noti’s on — I appreciate that, you guys. I appreciate the engagement. I just want to tell KD I love him, you know what I’m saying?” Irving said.

“It wasn’t perfect, but I can honestly say I took a chance on winning a championship with my best friend. We had an incredible time. I can honestly take accountability for my actions and say that I wasn’t always in the best space mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally. So, let me get that disclaimer out. I have played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD — that was OD. He’s one of the best of all time. Obviously, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. I’m doing my thing. He’s doing his thing. Let’s leave it there,” he added.

Irving stayed with the Nets for another season after their failed 2021–22 campaign, before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks on February 6, 2023. The trade came after Irving requested to leave the franchise, having expressed dissatisfaction with the new contract being offered.

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