The Brooklyn Nets had one of their most exciting squads in franchise history from 2019 to 2023 when former star point guard Kyrie Irving played for the team. Irving's style of play captivated fans, and he was and remains one of the best scorers and ballhandlers in NBA history. Unfortunately, Irving's time with the team did not last more than four years due to a string of events that caused him and the organization to take different directions. Yet, the entertainment he provided fans was unmatched.
On June 30, 2019, huge news dropped that Kyrie Irving would be signing a four-year, $141 million max contract with the Nets. Irving arrived in the borough fresh off a strong stint with the Boston Celtics. Furthermore, Irving won an NBA championship with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. What made Irving's arrival even more exciting was he brought ex-Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant with him.
Irving's first year in Brooklyn was highly promising. He gave Nets fans a thrilling debut game, scoring a whopping 50 points and nearly led Brooklyn to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a street-ball-like move to finish the contest:
Through 40 games in 2019-20, Irving averaged a career-high 27.4 points along with 6.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on a 39.4 percent three-point shooting clip. Irving dealt with injuries that prevented him from fully finishing the year, but fans had plenty more to look forward to.
Kyrie Irving continued his stout production into the 2020-21 season. In 54 games, Irving averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and shot 40.2 percent on threes. He, Kevin Durant, and the newly arrived James Harden formed one of the most dynamic star groups in the league. Irving and the team had a special opportunity against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Unfortunately, Irving injured his ankle in Game 4 after he landed on Giannis Antetokounmpo's foot. The star guard averaged 20.0 points and 4.3 assists through the first games of the series, so Brooklyn dearly missed his services. The Bucks went on to beat the Nets in a thrilling Game 7 ending.
A pivotal turn in Irving's Nets tenure
At the start of the 2021-22 season, Irving did not immediately play for the Nets due to his unvaccinated COVID-19 status. He eventually returned to the lineup in December 2021 on a part-time basis playing in the team's away games since he was ineligible to play in New York due to the city's mandate. Irving and Brooklyn later got swept by the Celtics in the first round of the 2022 Playoffs. He finished the season with averages of 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on a career-high 41.8 percent deep-range accuracy.
In July of 2022, Irving sought a trade from the Nets after picking up his $36.5 million player option. The trade never came to fruition and Irving started his 2022-23 campaign with Brooklyn. In October 2022, he made headlines when he shared a social media post to a film considered to be antisemitic. The Nets suspended Irving for the action, but he eventually returned to the team after a series of required steps and remained a stout contributor.
In early February 2024, reports surfaced that Irving and the Nets' contract extension negotiations came to an irreparable impasse, and he requested a trade from the franchise. On Feb. 6, 2023, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Irving in a blockbuster move that ultimately ended Brooklyn's championship window, as Kevin Durant was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Irving ended his 2022-23 stint with the Nets with averages of 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. By the end of his time in Brooklyn, Irving amassed two All-Star appearances (2021, 2023) and one All-NBA Third Team selection (2020-21).
Kyrie Irving's time with the Nets did not go as many fans hoped, but he played at an elite level and provided entertainment fans will never forget. He will hold a special place in the borough's heart, and despite all that happened, the New Jersey native likely holds dear sentiment for Nets fans.