Kyrie Irving sat side by side with Luka Doncic on May 18 for a joint news conference after eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Western Conference semifinals. The superstars showered each other with praise and adoration.

The NBA trade deadline hits at 3 pm Eastern Standard Time in Thursday, and it appears that future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, a 14-time All-Star who ranks eighth all-time in points scored — second among active players only to Lebron James — will remain a member of the Phoenix Suns.

Irving spoke publicly about the trade for the first time on Tuesday after putting up 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Mavericks' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. "J