Kyrie Irving responds to Kevin Durant’s criticism!

Kyrie Irving has finally responded to Kevin Durant‘s recent statements about the implosion of the Big 3 at the Brooklyn Nets. During a Twitch stream Tuesday night, the point guard disputed his former teammate’s version who accused him and James Harden of lack of commitment.

Brooklyn didn’t really want Irving according to the player

In a recent podcast with Steve Nash, Durant had suggested that the superteam‘s failure was largely due to Irving and Harden’s lack of involvement. A version of events that the current Dallas Mavericks player strongly disputes.

« Brooklyn, I wish we had the chance to get to know each other before, because they didn’t really want me like that, » said Irving. « And that’s just me, that’s my perspective. Now, did they want me on the team? Sure, you can say that. But Kenny Atkinson didn’t really want me like that, man. They didn’t want me like that. They wanted K. And that’s my point of view, okay? That’s the information I gathered after I left. »

This revelation confirms previous reports that the Nets were entirely focused on Durant but had reservations about Irving if he wasn’t accompanied by the former MVP.

Release requests revealed

Irving also revealed he requested his release during the 2021 vaccine controversy, when he was suspended for refusing to comply with New York City’s vaccine mandates.

« Even the people I was in business with were pro-vaccine, » explained Irving. « I’m like, OK, look, that’s fine, but just let me out of this and let me go somewhere else. I even told the Nets to release me. I said: ‘Yo, can you please just release me?’ And, obviously, the financial situation – different situation, I’m fucking Kyrie. I’m saying this very aware of my position, but they weren’t just going to let me go. »

Irving‘s tenure in Brooklyn will be remembered for on-court performances but also controversies, including his suspension for promoting an antisemitic film. He eventually forced his trade to Dallas in February 2023, ending a tumultuous era. Irving made it clear he wasn’t in « conflict » with Durant or Nash, simply disputing the notion of commitment: « Everyone’s not going to be committed the way you want them to be committed. »