Kyrie Irving: Nets Coach Jacque Vaughn Criticizes Star Guard After Shock Trade Request

• Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn Nets coach has reacted to Kyrie Irving's trade request
• He appeared to slam the NBA All-Star guard requested a trade from the Nets on Friday 3rd February ahead of the trade deadline
• It was a shocking move from Irving who has been enjoying a good season

Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn has called out guard Kyrie Irving after his shock trade request on Friday. The 30-year-old requested a trade after he failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the team.

Irving will be a free agent in the summer and wants to be traded ahead of the trade deadline on February 9th 2023. He missed Nets' 125-123 win over the Washington Wizards after the request with a right calf soreness.

The 8x All-Star is in the final year of his contract. He will earn $36.9 million and has been eyeing around $198.5 million four-year deal maximum extension. If the 2016 NBA champion is traded, he is eligible to sign a two-year $78.6 million extension with his new team until June 30th.

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The Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential landing spots for Irving. ESPN sources have also reported that the LA Clippers have expressed interest in securing the guard.

The Nets have had tumultuous several months. Kevin Durant asked for a trade in September 2022 but rescinded it. Irving was suspended in November for posing a link with anti-Semitic sentiments.

Steve Nash was also fired in early November after an underwhelming start to the NBA season.

Vaughn addresses Irving's trade request

Vaughn, who took over from Nash appeared to direct a jibe at Irving, saying every player has to show up, per the Athletic.

“I think you have responsibility as a basketball player like I do as a coach. I show up, I do my job every single day. That’s what I signed up for. And that’s my expectations for one through 17.”

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Irving has been impressive since Durant went down with an MCL sprain in early January. His performances were rewarded with an All-Star starting berth. The Nets are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-20 record. They have lost seven of the 12 games Durant has missed.

Potential destinations for Irving

Irving's sign-and-trade to another team last summer was not successful, forcing him to opt into the final year of his deal. Since Brooklyn owes its next five draft picks to the Houston Rockets for the James Harden trade, they cannot tank or rebuild. They also have to appease Durant so that he does not ask for his own trade.

The Lakers, Clippers, Raptors, Suns, Mavericks, Heat, Bulls Hawks and Pelicans are teams that could pursue Irving due to many reasons, per the Athletic. It remains to be seen how things will move ahead of the trade deadline.

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Irving celebrates James

Sports Brief earlier reported on Irving paying tribute to LeBron James who is on the brink of NBA history.

James is expected to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the NBA's all-time scoring list at some point this month.

Irving said James should be celebrated because he has dominated the NBA for 20 seasons. Irving and James pulled off the impossible, coming from 3-1 down to win the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.