Overview

• Kevin Durant said on July 16 that he and coach Steve Nash were fully committed to the Brooklyn experiment while Kyrie Irving and James Harden were not, creating a “weird” dynamic.
• On July 22 Irving told fans on his Twitch stream that external factors beyond his control, especially the Nets’ COVID-19 vaccine requirement, played a major role in his wavering commitment.
• Irving flatly denied any personal beef with Durant or Nash, emphasizing that he holds respect for both despite past tensions.
• He praised his on-court pairing with Durant as an unmatched “7/11 duo” that showcased their elite chemistry even as the team faltered.
• He expressed regret for not vetting Brooklyn’s front office before signing and acknowledged that clearer communication and shared leadership might have changed the super-team’s fate.