Jacque Vaughn insinuates he's not having a say in Kyrie Irving's future with the Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn gave a thoughtful answer to Kyrie Irving's recent trade request. Irving and the Nets reportedly failed to negotiate the terms of his contract extension. He is an unrestricted free agent and has indicated that he won't re-sign with the team even if he stays beyond the trade deadline.
Vaughn hinted that he has stayed away from the "business" side of things and has elected to reach out to the player from a "human side." Here's what Vaughn told reporters (via Brian Lewis):
"There's a business side to this thing and there's a human side to this thing. I elected to touch on the human side and check on him as an individual. I'll leave the business side to Sean (Marks, GM) and that group."
Jacque Vaughn on Kyrie Irving: "There's a business side to this thing and there's a human side to this thing. I elected to touch on the human side and check on him as an individual. I'll leave the business side to Sean (Marks, GM) and that group." #Nets
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets put together one of the best runs since his arrival in 2019. After returning from suspension following an antisemitism row earlier this season, Irving seemed committed to helping the team get to the next level.
The eight-time All-Star was available and played some of the best basketball of his life over the past couple of months, helping the Nets storm back into championship contention. However, the Nets added some stipulations to his new contract, which Irving's camp didn't approve, which may have contributed to his decision to request a trade.
Brooklyn Nets championship hopes look grim following Kyrie Irving's trade demand
The Brooklyn Nets emerged as one of the greatest comeback stories until Kyrie Irving's trade demand. They were unstoppable and arguably the best team in the league since Jacque Vaughn took over as the team's coach. The Nets have struggled lately, but due to Kevin Durant's absence.
The Nets were among the top favorites to dethrone the Boston Celtics as the Eastern Conference's best team. However, they seem far from their goal again. Irving's trade request has jeopardized the team's chances of contending. The Nets will likely receive draft compensation, a couple of good role players or young players in a potential trade.
That may not be enough to compensate for Irving's loss. If he stays, the locker room environment may not be sound enough for the team to focus on the court, with players and coaches aware of Irving's desire to depart.
The Brooklyn Nets will need a star presence on the roster alongside Kevin Durant. Ben Simmons hasn't played to his All-Star caliber potential, while Nicolas Claxton still needs some fine-tuning before he receives recognition as a bonafide star player.