Kevin Durant Reveals True Feelings About Kyrie Irving's Trade Request

Kevin Durant spoke on Kyrie Irving in his Phoenix Suns press conference

Joey Linn | Feb 16, 2023

Kevin Durant Reveals True Feelings About Kyrie Irving's Trade Request /

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In his introductory press conference with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant was asked about his reaction to Kyrie Irving's trade request from the Brooklyn Nets.

"Ya, I was upset that we couldn't finish," Durant said. "I thought we had some good momentum. We were finally building a culture that we always wanted. I felt like every game we were building our chemistry. I didn't know what was going on with Kyrie and his situation with the organization... It was a blow to our team. It took away our identity. He was a huge part to what we do. His game, he's a Hall-of-Fame player, a great, great player that can do everything on the floor, we relied on that. Without him, we didn't have a clear identity."

Durant admitted that it was hard to stomach Irving's trade request, especially because he felt as if the team was starting to do some things that they hadn't done previously, with other players beginning to step up in big ways. While that entire situation was disappointing for Durant, he admitted that he is happy with how things worked out, as he is now in a good situation with the Phoenix Suns.

The Kd-Kyrie era in Brooklyn will always be looked back on as a missed opportunity, but there were some great moments as well that fans can cherish. For Durant, he was disappointed with how things ended in Brooklyn, but is pleased with where he is now.

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Published Feb 16, 2023

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn32@sbcglobal.net Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis, insight, and reporting Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Receiving a media credential during the 2021-22 season, Joey has experience interviewing NBA players, and developing exclusive stories from these interviews. Having appeared on several different NBA podcasts over the last four seasons, Joey is now hosting his own podcast for The Sporting Tribune. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Now graduated, Joey is covering the NBA full-time across multiple platforms. Credentialed by the Clippers, Joey covers the team daily with articles, podcasts, and video breakdowns on YouTube. With four years of sports media experience, Joey provides expert insight and analysis for NBA fans across the league.

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