The NBA is often called a brotherhood by the select group of people to have reached the highest level of the basketball realm. On Sunday, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant provided evidence for that notion, offering kind words about a former teammate whose decision-making resulted in the future Hall of Fame forward being traded from the Brooklyn Nets.
Kevin Durant Reflects On Kyrie Irving’s ACL Injury
Following his team’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Durant told reporters that he’s expecting All-Star guard Kyrie Irving “to come back and lead Dallas and be the same team they’ve always been.”
“Any human would be upset… You go through those emotions. Then the faster you get over that, the faster your recovery will be,” Durant says (h/t The Athletic’s Christian Clark).
Kevin Durant on Kyrie:
“Any human would be upset, pissed off. Curious as to why this happened. You go through those emotions. Then the faster you get over that, the faster your recovery will be.
“Kyrie is a hard worker. He’s disciplined every single day — his regimen, his…
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) March 9, 2025
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Irving, who became the Mavericks’ No. 1 option after the infamous Luka Doncic trade, tore his ACL on Mar. 3.
Following his injury, players and fans across the world expressed their sincere disappointment. This includes not only Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, both of whom are his former teammates. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, appreciative of how Irving was there for him during times of need, has as well.
Kai’s Injury History
This is not the first major injury that the former No. 1 pick has sustained.
As a one-and-done at Duke, Irving’s season was limited to 11 games due to a turf toe injury. In July 2012, he broke his right hand, though he would return by the 2012-13 season opener. In Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals, he fractured his kneecap. During the time with the Boston Celtics, he missed the entire 2017 NBA Playoffs due to complications from his previous knee injury. Two seasons later, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Last year, he broke his left hand while training.
That being said, this is arguably the most severe injury that Irving has suffered to date. Because of the long-term effects that can come with ACL tears, it’s also the most concerning. Luckily for him, his game is predicated more on skill than athleticism. Nevertheless, in a league filled with the world’s top athletes, a decline in athleticism can make a significant difference.
KD + AD?
Irving’s ACL injury isn’t the only reason why Mavs fans are now clamoring for their team to trade for Durant. The bitterness from losing Doncic might only be washed away by attaining a player of his caliber. However, there’s no doubt that Dallas would be more capable of holding up if Anthony Davis had Durant alongside him.
With that in mind, the Mavericks have already made one attempt to trade for Durant. With how everything has gone since they traded for Doncic, they’d likely only be more inclined to try again. As Durant will likely have several offseason suitors, Dallas definitely has to make a competitive offer though.
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