Long before his time with the Nets, Kyrie Irving had tumultuous tenures with the Cavaliers and the Celtics and had claimed “the earth is flat.” His tenure in Brooklyn hasn’t been any less chaotic. Here’s a look:
July 1, 2019: Irving signs four-year, $136 million contract with the Nets, joining up with Kevin Durant in free agency.
Nov. 28, 2019: Irving misses all three games between the Nets and Celtics, his former team, in his first season in Brooklyn. Following the first game, he blasts Celtics fans on his Instagram story after they performed anti-Irving chants all night.
Dec. 18, 2020: Irving finally plays in Boston in a preseason game, but due to COVID-19 protocols it’s in an empty arena. He burns sage on the court before the game in order to “cleanse the energy” within the building.
May 30, 2021: After saying he hoped that “subtle racism” would not lead to Celtics fans disrespecting him in their playoff series, a fan throws a water bottle at Irving as he’s leaving the court at TD Garden (the fan was arrested). Irving responds by going to midcourt and stomping on Lucky the Leprechaun and rubbing his foot across the logo.
Kyrie IrvingAP
NY Post IllustrationOct. 12, 2021: Nets GM Sean Marks announces Irving will be away from the team at the start of the season after he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which would prevent him from playing in home games.
Oct. 14, 2021: Irving says being unvaccinated “is about being true and what feels good for me.”
Jan. 5, 2022: Debuting as a road-only player, Irving scores 22 points in a win over Indiana.
March 27, 2022: With New York City’s vaccine mandate lifted, Irving plays his first game of the season at Barclays Center.
April 19, 2022: Fined $50,000 for a middle finger gesture to Celtics fans during the Nets’ four-game playoff sweep.
June 27, 2022: Receives permission from Nets to seek a sign-and-trade. The Knicks, Lakers, Clippers are reported to be interested, but no deal is made.
June 30, 2022: Durant requests trade from Nets.
Oct. 27, 2022: Irving posts Twitter link to movie filled with anti-Semitic conspiracies.
Oct. 28, 2022: Nets owner Joe Tsai condemns Irving’s tweet.
Nov. 2, 2022: Irving and Nets each donate $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.”
Nov. 3, 2022: After NBA commissioner Adam Silver says he’s “disappointed” Irving didn’t apologize, Nets suspend Irving indefinitely.
Nov. 20, 2022: Irving returns to the court after missing nearly three weeks.
