WATCH: Mavs’ Kyrie Irving gets booed by ‘salty’ Brooklyn fans upon his return to Barclays Center for the first time since Nets exit

Kyrie Irving played for the Brooklyn Nets for three and a half years, and featured in playoffs twice.

WATCH: Mavs’ Kyrie Irving gets booed by ‘salty’ Brooklyn fans upon his return to Barclays Center for the first time since Nets exit

Kyrie Irving was met with boos on his return to play against the Brooklyn Nets (image via Erik Slater/X)

Kyrie Irving joined the Dallas Mavericks around this time last year after a trade from with the Brooklyn Nets. Exactly a year later, Irving was set to play in the Barclays Center. A place he called home for three and a half years. Irving was instrumental in the playoff runs for the Nets in ’21 and ’22. The Nets should have given Irving a hero’s welcome for his contributions. But it wasn’t to be. Loud boos welcomed the former Nets superstar.

It was time for the player introductions. A Welcome Back message with Irving’s face along with other returning Nets players was displayed on the central screen. This brought out a lot of boos from the Nets fans. Then Irving stood up as the arena announcer called out his name. That brought out louder boos and jeers from the home crowd. As he made his way to the other end of the court, he flashed the heart sign as a respect of appreciation. But the boos were unending even though Irving had nothing but appreciation.

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Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 free agency. He wanted to sign with his hometown Nets. Moreover, this persuaded former teammate Kevin Durant to head there too. Their idea to join hands at Brooklyn was based on a desire to shed their past achievements and create their own legacy. Specifically, the goal was to win championships.

Injuries and off-court issues hampered their collective goal. Irving wanted to bring nothing but smiles to his hometown fans. Ultimately, when contract talks headed south, Irving lost his desire to play for the Nets organization. He formally issued a trade request which landed him in Dallas.

Kyrie Irving responded to the Brooklyn Nets fans on the court

The game between the Mavericks and the Nets was intriguing due to the return of Irving. His return was in close proximity to Durant’s return a few days ago. Durant received a tribute video. Irving did not. Along with the boos, Irving honestly did not receive enough respect.

Kyrie Irving was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks one year ago
Kyrie Irving was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks one year ago (image via GiveMeSport/X)

Irving replied to them with a box score leading 36 points. He combined with superstar teammate Luka Doncic to hand the Nets their 12th loss in 17 games since the turn of the new year. Irving capped off his performance with a one-handed alley-oop dunk. Something Irving rarely does. Such was his motivation to prove to the Nets fans that they were ‘salty’.

Brooklyn Nets fans forget, that if not for Irving, Kevin Durant would have signed with their crosstown rivals, the New York Knicks. The salty Nets fans chose to ignore Irving’s contributions.

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