An intriguing storyline coming out of the NBA All-Star Game draft is the reunion of former teammates Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love. 

It was an intentional move from James, who drafted his own team in the new All-Star format. He selected Irving as a starter and Love as a reserve, which marks the first time the three players will be together since Irving requested a trade away from the Cavaliers over the summer. 

They played together as teammates on the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA championship team, and Irving told reporters he will always be connected to James and Love. 

"I think you've heard it if you've talked to championship winners before, but when you're on a championship team, it's just a bond that can't be broken forever," Irving said, per ESPN. "Just going through that, the way we created history -- we're the only team in history to come back from 3-1 (in the NBA Finals). And that's something that will be etched in NBA history for life.

"And that's always a connection, something that we can always reminisce about no matter what. It's an incredible bond that we built as a team, individually being tested at the highest level, and doing something that you can remember for the rest of your life and tell your kids about."

The trio played together for three seasons (2014-2017) in Cleveland, and made it to the NBA Finals each of those years. However, many wondered whether James would select Irving for his All-Star team. 

"It will be fun [to play with James and Love]," Irving said. "All-Star weekend's just an enjoyable experience. It's a time for us as competitors to get together when we're not necessarily with our teams and going against one another. It's great to see the two captains choose who they felt were the best fit for their team, and I'm glad that I'm playing with a bunch of great players."

Irving has been a key part of the Celtics' lineup helping lead the team to the top of the Eastern Conference. He is averaging 24.5 points, three rebounds and five assists per game this season.