Kevin Durant Responds to Kyrie Irving Saying He'll Address Nets Era on Live Stream

Kyrie Irving has indicated he will discuss his time with the Brooklyn Nets (2019-2023) in an upcoming Twitch stream, specifically addressing why things didn't work out as expected. This follows Kevin Durant's recent comments on a podcast.

On the podcast with former Nets coach Steve Nash and LeBron James, Durant stated that the Nets "didn't get the full Steve Nash like I wanted" due to "too many distractions" within the organization that hindered Nash's coaching. Irving's announcement was a direct response to seeing a video of Durant's podcast appearance.

Durant and Irving joined the Nets as free agents in summer 2019. Durant missed the entire first season recovering from an Achilles tear. Nash was unexpectedly hired as head coach in September 2020 despite no prior coaching experience. The team acquired James Harden in January 2021, forming a star trio.

Initial success saw the Nets earn the No. 2 seed in the East during the 2020-21 season, nearly advancing to the Conference Finals after a close Game 7 loss to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Irving was deemed ineligible for home games at the start of the 2021-22 season due to his COVID-19 vaccine refusal, later returning only for certain road games.

Harden grew frustrated and requested a trade, leading to his move to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. After being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2022 playoffs, further turmoil ensued. Irving faced controversy for posting links to an antisemitic film. Nash and the Nets mutually parted ways after a poor 2-5 start to the 2022-23 season.

The Durant-Irving era officially ended in February 2023 when Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks and Durant was sent to the Phoenix Suns just three days later. During their time in Brooklyn, the Nets were swept in the playoffs twice and won only one playoff series, a significantly underwhelming outcome compared to the initial championship expectations surrounding the duo.