Kevin Durant believes the Brooklyn Nets can make it work still around him and Kyrie Irving.

"Yeah," said Durant. "I can’t think s— ain’t working out just because we’ve been through some adversity, some bumps on the road. We just keep fighting until we can’t no more. That’s how I look at it. It’s exciting to come in every day to work to get better as a team and as an individual. For me, being a leader, it’s good to see the development of the younger guys in the league. Each game is important for us. There’s a spotlight on us because of the timing we’ve got. There is a lot to do, is we’ve just got to step up and play a different role, so I’m excited about that. Everything basketball I enjoy. It seems like regardless of what is being thrown at us [I enjoy] trying to exercise, trying to figure it out and get past it."

Durant was also asked what made him want to stay after his trade request and whether he still wants to remain with the franchise.

"I just love the people in here. We had a rough season last year. A lot of ups and downs. I felt like me pressing a trade or telling how I felt about the organization, we were able to have some honest conversations on both sides. So, I think that was what we needed, and we were able to move forward. So, it was about grinding. I committed here. I signed here. So, it’s about grinding, seeing where it takes us."

Durant also said he's in a good place with his mindset.

“I’m incredible. Loving life right now. I don’t think the world understands that. Maybe I need to get miked up more,” Durant told Marc J. Spears of Andscape at Golden 1 Center. “Maybe I need to have more fluff pieces written about me. Smile more in pictures. Maybe people might understand that I ain’t miserable in life. Like [TNT NBA analyst] Charles [Barkley] said I’m Mr. Miserable. I guess because I don’t [smile] enough for the cameras. But I’m doing incredible, man.”