Brooklyn Nets Superstar (And Conspiracy Theorist) Kyrie Irving Demands Trade

Topline

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has told team management he wants to be traded ahead of next week’s deadline, according to multiple reports—an unexpected move that could shake up the NBA playoff picture.

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at … [+] Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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Key Facts

The request was reportedly made after Irving and the Nets failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension, as his existing deal is set to expire at the end of the season.

Any team hoping to acquire Irving would likely have to offer Brooklyn a massive trade package, as Irving is 11th in the league in scoring, fourth in minutes played per game and was recently selected as a starter for the upcoming NBA All-Star game.

The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. Eastern time Thursday.

Surprising Fact

Irvings’ fellow superstar teammate, Kevin Durant, requested a trade from the Nets in the summer before ultimately deciding to stick it out with the team for the season. The Nets’ are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 31-20 record.

Key Background

Basketball analysts widely consider Irving one of the game’s all-time great sharpshooters, but the guard is arguably better known now for his off-the-court controversies than his NBA accomplishments. Irving was suspended early this season and lost his Nike sponsorship for promoting an antisemitic film in a social media post he was reluctant to apologize for. Irving also sat out most of the 2021-22 season for refusing to get a Covid-19 vaccine after pushing misinformation and conspiracy theories about the pandemic.

Big Number

More than $36.9 million. That’s how much Irving is set to make in salary for the 2022-23 season.

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Surprising Fact

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