Mar 16, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving sits on the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The polarizing reason Kyrie Irving asked to be released by Brooklyn Nets

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Keenan Womack | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:21 PM ET

Kyrie Irving is a multi-time all-star, a player who the NBA has celebrated for on-court accomplishments his entire career, but it is safe to say he has had his fair share of controversies as well. During his time with the Brooklyn Nets, the off-the-court issues mostly outshone his on-court abilities, culminating in a trade to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023.

After playing just 143 games for the Nets over four seasons from 2019 to 2023, he was shipped to Dallas, along with Markieff Morris, for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and three draft picks, only one of which was a first-rounder. On a recent stream, however, Irving revealed that he asked the Nets to release him in 2021 after his suspension for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Even the people that I was in business with were pro-vaccine," he said on a stream on Tuesday. "...That's fine, but just leave me the [expletive] out of this and let me go somewhere. I even told the Nets to release me. I said, 'Can you please just release me?' And, obviously, the money situation... different situation, I'm [expletive] Kyrie. I say that very aware of my position, but they weren't just going to let me rock out."

Despite all of the backlash, Irving has since rebounded in his career, helping to lead the Mavericks, along with current Lakers guard Luka Doncic, to the 2024 NBA Finals. Since joining Dallas, Irving has averaged 25.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game over 128 regular-season appearances and 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 22 playoff appearances.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: