The Brooklyn Nets’ era of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden did not deliver the anticipated championship success. Harden spent two seasons with the team before seeking a trade, while both Irving and Durant also requested trades during the tumultuous 2022-23 season, which culminated in just a single playoff series victory.

In a podcast named Mind the Game, Kevin Durant discussed the reasons behind the fallout, naming injuries and distractions as significant barriers. His former coach, Steve Nash, expressed regret that he couldn’t coach effectively due to external pressures. A week later, Irving took to social media, indicating he planned to share his own viewpoint on the situation.

During a Twitch livestream, Irving reflected on why he joined the Nets without thorough discussions with management, stating he overlooked critical aspects of the team dynamics, saying:
“I didn’t meet with the GM one time, the assistant GM one time – when I look back at that decision, I’m like, ‘Man I should’ve taken more time…‘”

Irving emphasized his loyalty to Durant, particularly during a challenging period when Durant was recovering from an Achilles injury, saying he felt compelled to support him:
“I waited for my brother to get healthy, and now… I wish that we got to know them beforehand…”

Reflecting on the challenges of his tenure, Irving expressed regret about his approach and felt he lacked proper knowledge about the team’s aspirations. He suggested that he wished he had been more proactive in understanding the general management before signing with the Nets.

Despite the rough ending in Brooklyn, Irving successfully transitioned to the Dallas Mavericks, where he made a notable impact, leading them to the NBA Finals but faced setbacks due to an ACL injury. His future role includes playing alongside notable talents like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and highly regarded draft pick Cooper Flagg as he rehabilitates.

The conclusion of his time with the Nets did not yield fond memories for Irving, but ultimately it led to each party finding their new paths, with the Nets securing significant assets in return for their stars.