When the year started, Kyrie Irving wanted to make the Brooklyn Nets his home. However, a month later, he announced that he wanted to leave the team as soon as possible. According to Bleacher Report, the NBA champion resorted to this move because the Nets and Irving,?”were unable to agree to a contract extension.” When the news broke, chaos ensued in the NBA world, and trade discussions amped up. ‘Where would Kyrie Irving go?’ became a question that echoed through the walls of the basketball community. With that said, hearts around Brooklyn ached with this news.

So far this season, Irving is averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Despite having a tumultuous start to the season, he has produced game-winning performances and created magic on the court. Naturally, for Nets’ fans, it is painful to see him go. However, fans compartmentalized their emotions when a reputed news house’s front page went viral online. The morning after Irving’s news broke, the New York Post’s front page read, “Your work here is done!” This was paired with a to-do list featuring all of Irving’s controversial shenanigans with the Brooklyn Nets during his time. While this dig could be white noise for the eight-time All-Star, many fans seemingly took offense.

NBA fans back Kyrie Irving

Parts of the NBA community formed a united front for Irving online. They questioned how the world could be cruel while stating that the front page was a disgrace. Fans wrote that the NY Post was being harsh and the front page was unnecessary. Some claimed that those showering hate on Irving were being ungrateful and petty, while others found this to be hilarious and called Irving a drama queen.

Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RJorRodrigo/status/1622024409778196481?t=fupE4s74Ic-aYf8cCSu2qw&s=19

https://twitter.com/oddnoel/status/1622055506335641600?s=20&t=x2y7jkBwMlulW6ktCfEQGw

The Brooklyn Nets beat the Washington Wizards

Earlier in the day, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards by 2 points despite being undermanned. Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons sat out due to injuries while Irving was also ruled out of the game. The team report stated that Irving was suffering from right calf soreness. Seth Curry and T.J. Warren were also sidelined.

Read More: Who Is Kyrie Irving?s Stepmother, Shetellia Riley? Woman Who Has Had Major Impact on His Trade Request

Irving was apparently not in the arena for the game. According to ESPN, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn acknowledged the star’s absence. He said, ?We were all in agreement on him not being here tonight.? The Nets showed that they can win without the support of Irving but can a push deep into the playoffs be sustainable without Kyrie Irving will be the question on everyone’s lips moving forward.

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Where do you think Kyrie Irving will end up playing next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.