sport news Kyrie Irving's trade demand leaves NBA teams 'clamoring for Kevin Durant' trends now

Kyrie Irving's trade demand to the Brooklyn Nets has reportedly ignited a wave of interest among rival teams… for Kevin Durant.

While Irving appears to be on his way out after four tumultuous seasons in Brooklyn, his reported request isn't being met with a clamor of demand. Instead, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, teams are inquiring about Durant, a former MVP who comes without Irving's perceived baggage.

'Among rival teams, there's far more interest in inquiring on Kevin Durant's reaction to Kyrie Irving's trade request and how that may impact KD's future with the Nets,' read a Wojnarowski tweet.

Irving has been an inconsistent presence for the Nets over the last two seasons, scoring over 27 points a game when he does play, while missing stretches of time for a variety of reasons. He was sidelined for most of the Nets' home games and some road games last season when he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as was mandated at the time in New York City. This season, Irving was suspended eight games after posting a link to a film deemed to be anti-Semitic and for initially refusing to apologize for the controversy.

Durant, meanwhile, is still recovering from a sprained knee, but aside from injuries, the 34-year-old has been reliable on the floor, pouring in 29.7 points a game while hitting a remarkable 55.9 percent of his field goal attempts. Although he's signed in Brooklyn through the 2025-26 season, Durant could find himself in the trade block if the Nets decide to rebuild after the latest Irving fiasco.

Irving has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, according to multiple reports.  

Unable to get a new contract, Irving asked the Brooklyn Nets for a trade, a person with knowledge of the details said Friday.

The request comes less than a week before the trade deadline and possibly signals an ending to his tenure with the franchise, either then or after this season ends.

Irving made the request after talks about a new contract did not go to his liking, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because talks were to remain private. It was first reported by ESPN and The Athletic.

Irving is eligible for a contract extension, but the Nets refused to give him one last summer. Irving's agent and stepmother, Shetellia Irving, told Bleacher Report last week that she had reached out to the Nets regarding a new deal. Kyrie Irving — whose current deal with the Nets expires after this season — is eligible for a four-year contract worth as much as $200 million.

'I have reached out to the Nets regarding this,' Shetellia Irving told Bleacher Report. 'We have had no significant conversations to date. The desire is to make Brooklyn home, with the right type of extension, which means the ball is in the Nets' court to communicate now if their desire is the same.'

Irving and the Nets were thought

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