Kyrie Irving Says ‘No Beef’ with Kevin Durant, Reflects on Brooklyn Nets Era
Kyrie Irving wants to set the record straight: there’s no bad blood between him and Kevin Durant.
The Dallas Mavericks guard addressed recent comments made by Durant on the Mind the Game podcast, where the Houston Rockets forward reflected on their Brooklyn Nets stint and suggested not everyone was fully committed. Irving responded Tuesday during a Twitch livestream, clarifying that he harbors no resentment toward Durant or former Nets head coach Steve Nash.
“Me and KD are not beefing. I’m not beefing with Steve Nash. I’m not beefing with anybody, you guys. Alright?” Irving said. “This is not personal against KD, and even when he tweeted back at me and he said he’s going to have the noti’s on, I appreciate that, you guys. I appreciate the engagement. I just want to tell KD I love him, you know what I’m saying?”
Kyrie Irving Reflects on Kevin Durant and “7-11” Era
Irving stressed that he’s not interested in drama or back-and-forth, and made it clear his intent has always been to keep things respectful, regardless of how things unfolded in Brooklyn.
“At that moment, I’m not sure what he was thinking, but at the same time I would never, ever broadcast anything crazy,” he said. “There’s so much that happened while we were in Brooklyn. There is so much spun narratives after we left Brooklyn. It wasn’t perfect, but I can honestly say I took a chance on winning a championship with my best friend. We had an incredible time.”
Irving acknowledged his shortcomings during his tenure with the Nets and admitted that his personal struggles may have affected the team.
“I can honestly take accountability for my actions and say that I wasn’t always in the best space mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally,” he said. “So, I take my accountability and I’m sorry to any of those out there that it impacted negatively.”
The Irving-Durant partnership, dubbed “7-11” by fans, began with massive expectations in 2019 when the two signed with Brooklyn as free agents. Injuries, off-court complications, and the brief but volatile addition of James Harden derailed any hopes of a championship. Still, Irving spoke glowingly about the basketball chemistry he shared with Durant.
“I came to Brooklyn thinking that we were going to have a totally different time, and it went one way and it went a whole ’nother way, and it got crazy. I’m not going to lie to you,” Irving said. “But I will say this — the 7-11 duo of me and KD will never be topped in terms of just being on the court with somebody that special. So, let me get that disclaimer out… I’ve played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD, that was OD. He’s one of the best of all time.
“Obviously, we all have our strengths and weaknesses… I’m doing my thing. He’s doing his thing. Let’s leave it there.”
Kevin Durant Showed Support for Kyrie Irving
Durant, for his part, has remained supportive of Irving. Following a March win in Dallas, he told DallasHoopsJournal.com he was rooting for his former teammate’s recovery after a season-ending injury.
“I’m thinking about him, man, that’s one of my boys,” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Looking forward to him getting back as quickly as possible — but having a safe recovery, no setbacks.”
Durant also praised the current Mavericks roster, praising its size, athleticism, and defensive upside, especially with Irving at the helm.
“I think it’d be a great team,” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I mean, they got size, they got athleticism, defense, and you got a guy like Kyrie leading you and a city like Dallas that got your support. Should be fun.”
With Irving now guiding a revamped Mavericks team featuring Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, and Durant starring on a loaded Rockets squad, the former teammates may be headed for a high-stakes reunion. But off the court, the message is clear: no beef, just mutual respect.
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