Getty Image / Maddie Meyer
For the 2nd time since the end of last season, the Brooklyn Nets’ future is a big question mark.
The last time, Kyrie Irving had requested a trade when the Nets refused to commit to him long-term and Kevin Durant requested a trade to head somewhere where he could be a contender again.
The offseason ended with both players still on the team, which has worked out well for the players and the team. Kyrie has reminded fans of the talent he possesses when he is available and earned an All-Star nod, Durant is averaging almost 30 points per game, and the Nets have the Eastern Conference’s 4th best record.
That success looks like it will be coming to an end. Kyrie Irving decided to request a trade yesterday, leaving the Nets with less than a week to find a trade partner.
Today, Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn gave his thoughts on the situation,
Jacque Vaughn when asked if he feels Kyrie is letting the team down:
"I think you have a responsibility as a basketball player, like I do as a coach. I show up, I do my job every single day, that's what I signed up for, and that's my expectation for one through seventeen." pic.twitter.com/LsByT6wSeC
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 4, 2023
I think you have a responsibility as a basketball player like I do as a coach. I show up, I do my job every single day, that’s what I signed up for, and that’s my expectation for one through seventeen.
Showing up and doing his job isn’t exactly something Kyrie has done with consistency since joining the Nets. Irving played in just 103 games in his first 3 seasons with the team.
Even this year, he has missed 11 of the team’s 51 games and will miss a 12th tonight.
It looks like that inconsistency could be heading elsewhere in the next week.