Kyrie’s agent refutes report that Nets star ‘hates’ Nash, Sean Marks originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Does Kyrie Irving share Kevin Durant’s disdain for Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks? Depends on who you ask.
A source told the New York Post’s Josh Kosman earlier this week that Irving “hates” both Nash and Marks, adding that Irving “feels that Nash is terrible and Marks is bad.”
Irving’s agent, Shetallia Riley Irving — who is also Irving’s stepmother — pushed back against Kosman’s report Tuesday.
Forsberg: Tatum highlights the importance of chemistry as Durant rumors persist
“I am not sure where this narrative is coming from, but Kyrie does not hate Steve nor Sean,” Shetallia Riley Irving told the Post. “That’s not a part of his being nor how he represents himself in the world. He’s about peace, love and acceptance.”
Durant, on the other hand, made it very clear how he feels about Brooklyn’s head coach-GM duo. The Nets star reportedly met with team owner Joe Tsai in London over the weekend and gave Tsai an ultimatum: Either find a trade for him or fire Nash and Marks.
Tsai tweeted his support for the Nets’ staff Monday night following Durant’s reported ultimatum as the two sides played hardball over Durant’s trade request. The Boston Celtics are reportedly among the teams that have contacted the Nets about a trade for Durant, so they’re likely keeping one eye on this saga as it unfolds.
As for Irving, it’s been widely speculated that Brooklyn will look to trade the talented guard, with LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers among his possible suitors. But while Irving will become a free agent after this season, Durant has four years remaining on his deal with no opt-outs, so the Nets have less motivation to rush into a trade for KD before the regular season begins.