By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Seeking a way out of the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the approaching deadline, Kyrie Irving has requested a trade.
Irving, 30, informed the team he wants to be moved, as reported by multiple NBA insiders and media outlets Friday.
The trade deadline set on Thursday, February 9, will ultimately finalize rosters across the league ahead of the 2023 Playoffs. And Irving revealed intentions to continue his career elsewhere immediately or depart as an unrestricted free agent following the 2022-23 season, as noted by Shams Charania of The Athletic. Failing to reach a deal on a new contract led to the trade request, reported Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Since signing with the Nets before the 2019-20 season, Irving went through multiple challenges, including injuries, the well-documented New York City COVID-19 vaccine mandate forcing him to the sidelines for the top half of the 2021-22 season, and more stretching into a suspension during the ongoing 2022-23 season. Over 40 appearances this season, he averaged 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game as his side, coached by Jacque Vaughn, sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings behind a 31-20 record.
Previous NBA stints stretch to the Boston Celtics for two seasons and the six-year run at the Cleveland Cavaliers boosting the 2016 championship alongside Finals MVP LeBron James.
Irving was recently named a starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game earning his eighth selection. In 2014, he emerged as the All-Star Game MVP in New Orleans.
Coming out of Duke, the Australia-born was selected first overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cavs.
Beyond the NBA, Irving competed at the international level and represented the USA in the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Capturing gold medals was the prize on both occasions.
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