Eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving wants to be traded by the Brooklyn Nets before the February 9 deadline, it was reported on Friday.
The 30-year-old point guard has told the Nets of his intentions, with Irving looking for a change after four years with the team.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Irving has told the Nets he wants to leave now in a trade, otherwise he will depart in free agency in July.
The Nets were destroyed 139-96 by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, with Irving on the team, and they sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-20 record.
They have lost seven of their last 11 games during Kevin Durant's injury absence.
Irving has averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season, in keeping with his form from recent campaigns.
Reports have said the Nets have seen no need to rush talks over a contract extension for Irving, who scored a season-high 48 points in a win over the Utah Jazz on January 20.
Enjoy Life’s Journey, the ups, the hard lessons that come from failure and success, the sacrifices being away from family, and all of the emotions that come with pursuing goals that you’re beyond determined to accomplish.
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) January 20, 2023
Patience is a virtue, I gotta stay poised.
Hélà
The first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft spent his formative years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning a championship in 2016 and becoming a near lock-in for All-Star recognition.
He then spent two years with the Celtics before arriving in Brooklyn in free agency in July 2019, signing a four-year contract.
Now it remains to be seen whether teams are in a position to move for Irving, and whether those that are keen figure in Irving's own plans, with time at a premium.
The Nets are next in action on Saturday when they face the 24-26 Washington Wizards.
