NBA: Kyrie Irving requests trade from Nets, say reports
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Kyrie Irving has reportedly asked the Brooklyn Nets to trade him before the Feb 9 deadline.
PHOTO: NYTIMES
Follow topic:
NEW YORK – Kyrie Irving’s tumultuous National Basketball Association (NBA) career is set to take another dramatic turn after multiple media outlets reported on Friday that the Brooklyn Nets guard has requested a trade.
According to the reports, the Nets have been made aware of the request and the eight-time All-Star is hoping to find a new landing spot before the trade deadline on Thursday.
The Nets also were informed that Irving had no interest in staying with the organisation after his contract expires in July.
The Athletic reported that the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks top the list of teams expected to pursue a trade for Irving.
A tweet was posted to Irving’s account shortly before the reports of the trade request were published, although it was unclear what the player was referring to.
“To my Peers: JUST BE YOURSelf and GROW! Keep people around who CELEBRATE YOU unconditionally and appreciates all of the hard work that gets put in. Distance yourself from the folks who manipulate, hate, and hurt,” it read.
This season alone has been a rocky ride for Irving, who still has managed to score 27.1 points per game with 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 40 appearances despite off-court issues.
He was suspended by the Nets on Nov 3 following his social media posts that promoted a movie featuring anti-Semitic themes.
Irving sat out eight games and apologised before he returned, while insisting that “I’m not anti-Jewish or any of that”.
The incident led to Nike ending its eight-year partnership with the guard, who turns 31 in March.
In the last season, Irving did not make his debut until Jan 5 after refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Even after he returned, he was not able to play in home games because of virus protocols in New York City.
He did not make his home season debut until March.
In total, Irving played in just 29 games last season, averaging 27.4 points with 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
His lack of availability reportedly led to a rift with former teammate James Harden, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers last February.
In 12 NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2011-17), the Boston Celtics (2017-19) and the Nets, Irving has averaged 23.3 points with 5.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds.
He won his only NBA title in 2016 with the Cavaliers, playing alongside LeBron James.
He was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2011 and earned NBA Rookie of the Year honours in 2012. He was also the All-Star Game MVP in 2014. REUTERS
