Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Insider reveals reason behind Kyrie Irving's trade request from Nets

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/4/23

On Friday, Kyrie Irving set the NBA world into a frenzy after news broke that the eight-time All-Star had requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

NBA insider Chris Haynes provided some clarity to the situation, revealing the reason why Irving wants out of Brooklyn.

According to Haynes, Irving felt disrespected by the Nets' latest contract offer, which included clauses tied to the team winning an NBA championship. Per Haynes, Irving's request isn't about money, adding that he wouldn't even sign a max deal with the franchise after Brooklyn's most recent offer.

Kyrie Irving's camp did not negotiate after Brooklyn Nets presented an offer that was tied to team winning a championship, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. Told the issue was not about money, and now it's said he wouldn't even stay if offered a full max contract.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 3, 2023

It's an abrupt about-face for Irving, who reportedly sought an extension with the Nets as recently as last week.

Despite the headaches Irving has caused during his time in Brooklyn, whether it be complaints over vaccines or spreading wild conspiracy theories, Haynes says there's a market for the guard, even with the trade deadline quickly approaching.

Appearing on NBA TV Friday night, Haynes said he'd be "surprised" if Irving is a Net past the league's Feb. 9 trade deadline.

"There's three teams as of right now — I expect other teams to call in and inquire — but those three teams, obviously the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks," Haynes said. "Those are teams that have been engaged with the Brooklyn Nets, trying to see what could potentially get done."

"I would be surprised if Kyrie is a Net past the trade deadline."@ChrisBHaynes weighs in on Kyrie’s trade request pic.twitter.com/7B1EKRBjr4
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 4, 2023

Irving wanting out has naturally led to speculation about the future of the Nets' other star player, Kevin Durant. Without Irving, Durant may also seek greener pastures.

Haynes called Durant the "next puzzle" for the Nets to solve after they deal with the Irving situation.

"For the Nets, I would think they would be, right now even, trying to get in KD's ear and try to explain what's going on," Haynes said. "And to get him to understand that they are still on a path to compile pieces to win a title."

With the deadline for trades less than a week away, it should be an interesting couple of days for the Brooklyn Nets. Even more so when Durant inevitably comments on his teammate's desire to leave. However, at this point, it looks like there's no way of salvaging a relationship with Irving.

More must-reads: