During an introductory press conference on Thursday, the Phoenix Suns’ newest superstar, Kevin Durant, said he was “upset” following Kyrie Irving’s trade request, which then led to himself requesting a trade out of Brooklyn.
“Yeah I was upset that we couldn’t finish. I thought we had some good momentum. We were finally building the culture we always wanted,” Durant said about the Nets splitting up as the team began playing well prior to his MCL injury.
“I felt like every game we were building our chemistry. But I didn’t know what was going on with Kyrie and his situation with the organization, so I didn’t really focus on that. I only focused on what we were doing on the court. And it was a blow to our team. It took away our identity. He was a huge, huge part to what we do.”
The press conference comes a week after the Seven-Eleven era came to an end in Brooklyn. Suns general manager James Jones and team owner Matt Ishbia — who were both alongside Durant during Thursday’s presser — pulled off an overnight deal that sent forward Mikal Bridges, 3-and-D wing Cam Johnson, veteran forward Jae Crowder and draft compensation to Brooklyn in exchange for the future Hall of Famer and T.J. Warren.
The Nets won 18 of their last 20 games before Durant was sidelined with his knee injury on Jan. 9. The superstar was expected to be back with the team sometime around the All-Star break, but Irving’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks was seemingly the final nail in the coffin as Brooklyn’s championship window closed.
“So without [Irving] we didn’t have a clear identity. That was tough for me to stomach,” Durant added.
Durant described his tenure in Brooklyn — 129 total games — as “a lot of ups and downs,” then added that he “loved the grind.” The 13-time All-Star appeared to get emotional when reflecting on the past years that ultimately led to zero championships and one postseason series win.
“I built a family over there. They will always be a part of my journey. We didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish as far as winning a championship. ... But I enjoyed the grind and everybody there, we tried our hardest regardless of what was going on in the media, what was going on with our teammates. Everyone who was in that gym, we grinded.
“So I love those guys. I get emotional talking about it because that was a special four years in my career, coming off an Achilles [injury]. They helped me through a lot,” Durant added right before fans in attendance applauded.
“So yeah it was terrible how some stuff went down but at the end of the day I love the grind. And we all loved the grind there in Brooklyn and I wish them the best going forward, they have a bright future.”
The former Net also gave his insight on why the superstar era didn’t work in Brooklyn.
“We just didn’t get on the court enough. I think when you seen James [Harden], Kyrie and myself, it was amazing basketball for [16] games, though,” Durant said with a smile. “In order for you to win a championship and be a great team, you just need more time on the floor. It’s another story about why we didn’t get on the floor together.”
It was reported that Phoenix was Durant’s preferred landing destination when he requested a trade and the forward said that the Suns have “all the pieces to be successful.” He also noted his appreciation of the fans in the Valley while making his 17 appearances facing the Suns as a visitor during his career.
“They experienced a lot the last couple years,” he said. “You see the growth in this team. ... I always loved playing here in Phoenix. The fans always showed love to good basketball in general.
“I knew this would be a great place to play in. A great place to continue to get better as a player.”
