When the Brooklyn Nets assembled Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden between 2019 and 2021, many fans and analysts believed they were witnessing the creation of a dynasty. It reminded some of earlier “what if” stories in NBA history, such as when the Oklahoma City Thunder lost their greatest young core ever, featuring Harden, Durant, and Westbrook.
On paper, the Nets’ Big 3 had everything: a two-time Finals MVP, a former league MVP, and one of the greatest shot creators in NBA history. Yet just two years later, the “superteam” crumbled before it could achieve its promise. While the trio produced jaw-dropping highlights and one unforgettable playoff run in 2021, injuries, off-court drama, and organizational instability prevented them from cementing their place in NBA history.
How Long Did The Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 Actually Last?
From Harden’s arrival to his departure in February 2022, the trio lasted just 13 months together. In that span, they only played 16 total games as a unit (regular season and playoffs combined).
Why the Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 Fell Apart So Quickly
1. Injuries at the Worst Possible Time
Durant was sidelined for long stretches, Harden dealt with hamstring issues, and Irving suffered a devastating ankle sprain in the 2021 playoffs. Their health issues meant Brooklyn rarely had its full roster available when it mattered most.
2. Off-Court Drama and Distractions
Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status kept him out of home games for much of the 2021-22 season. Harden grew frustrated with the situation, leading to tension within the team. Durant, though brilliant on the court, couldn’t hold everything together alone.
3. Lack of Time to Build Chemistry
Superteams require time to gel, and the Nets simply didn’t have enough games together. Without continuity, they couldn’t establish an identity beyond isolation-heavy offense.
4. Trade Fallout
Harden forced his way out to Philadelphia in early 2022. Durant later requested a trade in the summer of 2022 before ultimately being dealt in 2023. Irving was traded in the same season. Just like that, the experiment was over.
Comparing the Nets’ Big 3 to Other NBA Superteams
To decide if Brooklyn’s Big 3 was truly the shortest-lived, let’s compare them with other famous NBA “superteams.”
Miami Heat (2010–2014) – LeBron, Wade, Bosh
By comparison, Brooklyn’s group may not just be short-lived — it’s arguably the most disappointing superteam in NBA history, considering the sheer talent involved.
Was It Really the Shortest-Lived Superteam?
Technically, the Lakers’ 2012–2013 experiment with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash also failed after just one season. However, even that team managed to play 76 regular-season games together, making the Nets’ 16 total games almost unprecedented.
When you factor in:
Talent level (3 Hall of Famers in their prime or near-prime)Expectations (championship-or-bust from Day 1)Outcome (1 playoff series win)Conclusion
The Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden was supposed to usher in a new dynasty. Instead, it ended in chaos, leaving fans wondering “what could have been.”
When compared to other NBA superteams, the numbers are clear: no star trio of this caliber has achieved so little in such a short span of time.
FAQs
Q1: How many games did the Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 actually play together?
They played only 16 total games together between 2021 and 2022.
Q2: Did the Nets’ Big 3 win any championships?
No. They won only one playoff series (2021 vs. Boston Celtics).
Q3: Who was traded first from the Nets’ Big 3?
James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022.
Q4: How does the Nets’ Big 3 compare to other failed superteams?
While the 2012–13 Lakers are often cited, the Nets’ trio is considered more disappointing due to expectations and limited games played together.
The post Was The Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 The Shortest-Lived Superteam In NBA History? originally published on Total Pro Sports.