"Tough To Stomach": Kevin Durant's First Comments On Kyrie Irving's Trade Request

Kevin Durant's official introduction in Phoenix was marked by a little closure on the chaotic Brooklyn Nets situation he left behind, specifically around Kyrie Irving, and his sudden trade request. 

Kevin Durant says Kyrie Irving's trade request was "tough to stomach":

"We were finally building a culture that we always wanted. I didn't know what was going on with Kyrie and his situation with the organization...without him, we didn't have a clear identity." pic.twitter.com/8mHdhwJ24a

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) February 16, 2023

"I was upset that we couldn't finish (what we started), I thought we had some good momentum... But I didn't know what was going on with Kyrie and his situation with the organization... It was a blow to our team, it just took away our identity.

"That was tough for me to stomach."

As for his own situation with his new squad, the Phoenix Suns, and the great expectations the team faces, KD left behind any humility he might have, and told it like is:

"I know there's always pressure because I'm one of the best players to ever play the game. Every time I step on the floor, people are going to expect me to do great things."

🗣️ Kevin Durantpic.twitter.com/TsKu1Bz3ld

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 16, 2023

"I know there's always pressure because I'm one of the best players to ever play the game. Every time I step on the floor, people are going to expect me to do great things, and the team I'm on to do great things."

The new Suns have 23 regular season games, and who knows how many playoff games, to do those "great things". All eyes are on KD. And it seems he's just fine with that.