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West Orange Native Kyrie Irving Wants Trade To Lakers

Local Athletes, Basketball, Brooklyn Nets, Professional

July 10, 2022

Back in 2019, West Orange, New Jersey native, Kyrie Irving, signed a four-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets along with Kevin Durant to play back home. Irving had a chance to build his legacy after his Cleveland and Boston days with Brooklyn.

The first year was without Kevin Durant recovering from an Achillies injury at that time. Kyrie had a strong debut with Brooklyn against Minnesota with 50 points in a loss. His father came to the home games most of the time. Irving enjoys the big stage, taking the challenge each day and proving people wrong.

The second year was high expectations for Brooklyn with Kevin Durant coming back, along with other moves they made to help out Irving and Durant. They hired Steve Nash as head coach with both players approval during that time frame. Irving and the Brooklyn Nets were primed for a big year with a loaded roster.

The chemistry between Irving and Durant was already on point. The Brooklyn Nets were a team not to be messed with as they were on a mission to get that championship. Being back home for the St. Pat's grad was extra special playing in front of his family and friends. Unfortunately, they ran into the champions Milwaukee Bucks in the eastern conference finals where Durant came up short on a three pointer.

After that season during Covid was a struggle for Brooklyn with a lot of uncertainty around the league. Irving believes in a lot of things, didn't want to get vaccinated to help the team. Durant didn't want to be by himself, so the Nets made a huge trade getting All-Star James Harden to make a big three.

They wouldn't allow Irving to play home games in the beginning. But when Irving played road games, the big three showed what they can be for Brooklyn. Harden called it "Scary Hours" told teams beware. Midway thru the season Irving was allowed to play home games. The big three only got to play 16 games together winning one playoff series.

Then Harden wanted out of Brooklyn because of Irving's unwillingness to get vaccinated. The Brooklyn Nets ended up trading Harden to the 76ers for Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry. The two main pieces were Simmons and Harden in the trade. Everyone was talking about how Ben can fit with Irving and Durant, but he never played a game for Brooklyn. During this playoff run, they got swept by the Boston Celtics.

Irving had a lot of thinking to do once the season ended with his contract up in the air. He ended up opting into the contract but after a few days, Kevin Durant requested a trade from Brooklyn. So, Irving has the Los Angeles Lakers has his number one destination to reunite with LeBron James. Brooklyn is in a tough position right now with both stars wanting out.

The big question now for Nets fans, is can Brooklyn convince Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to stay. As of now they are opening to listening to any offers.