Kyrie Irving just dropped a bomb on the NBA universe only days before the 2023 NBA trade deadline.
The All-Star guard has told the Nets that he wants to be traded, according to multiple reports. Brooklyn's front office has been informed that Irving "prefers to move on ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline — or will leave in free agency in July," per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Irving is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was recently named an All-Star starter, joining Nets teammate Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference group.
With Irving enjoying a terrific individual campaign and Brooklyn sitting in the top four of the East standings, what prompted him to hit the eject button?
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Why did Kyrie Irving request trade from Nets?
Before his trade request, Irving was looking to sign a contract extension with the Nets. Shetellia Irving, Kyrie's stepmother and agent, told Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes last week that she had reached out to Brooklyn, but the two sides "had no significant conversations."
"The desire is to make Brooklyn home, with the right type of extension, which means the ball is in the Nets' court to communicate now if their desire is the same," Shetellia said.
On Friday, Charania offered additional details on negotiations between Irving and the Nets:
The Nets recently offered Irving an extension with guarantee stipulations, according to league sources, an offer which was declined. Sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations who have been granted anonymity so that they could speak freely say that the extension offer was not well received and that there have been principle differences that have emerged between the Nets and Irving.
Irving's trade request only adds to what has been a tumultuous stretch for the Nets.
- Durant made his own trade request during the 2022 offseason before eventually deciding to stay in Brooklyn.
- In October, Irving tweeted a link to a film featuring antisemitic messaging. He was suspended for eight games and later issued an apology.
- In November, the Nets parted ways with head coach Steve Nash. Jacque Vaughn stepped in as the interim head coach before being named the permanent replacement.
- Durant suffered a knee injury during a Jan. 8 game against the Heat. He has missed nearly a month of action, and it's unclear when he will be able to rejoin the rotation.
Kyrie Irving contract details
Irving is in the final season of a four-year, $136.5 million deal that he signed with the Nets in 2019. He accepted his $36.5 million player option for the 2022-23 season after Brooklyn was unable to find a sign-and-trade deal for him.
| Season | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
| Irving's salary | $31.7 million | $33.3 million | $34.9 million | $36.5 million | UFA |
Irving is currently eligible to sign a four-year extension worth approximately $200 million with the Nets.
As an unrestricted free agent, he is "expected to have ample interest from around the league," per Haynes.
Kyrie Irving is extension eligible up until June 30 with Brooklyn.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 3, 2023
If he is traded and amends the 15% trade bonus, he is not allowed to extend with his new team.
The maximum on an extension is 2 years/$78.6M with a new team but only if Brooklyn pays him the trade kicker.