Kevin Durant Reflects on Nets' Unfulfilled Potential and 'Dysfunction'

Durant cites injuries, COVID-19 disruptions, and lack of playing time together as key reasons the Brooklyn Nets' Big Three fell short of a championship.

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden played only 16 games together during their tenure with the Brooklyn Nets from 2019 to 2023.
Durant attributed the team's struggles to injuries, COVID-19-related absences, and limited time on the court, dismissing narratives about personality conflicts as the primary cause.
The trio's most promising season, 2020-21, ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals after injuries sidelined both Harden and Irving against the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks.
Irving's refusal to comply with New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and Harden's subsequent trade request further destabilized the team during the 2021-22 season.
Durant, now with the Phoenix Suns, expressed pride in the culture they were building and optimism for the Nets' rebuilding efforts, which include significant draft assets.