This offseason, Kyrie Irving is expected to be one of the biggest NBA names on the market. While the Mavericks have made it clear they want to re-sign him, some insiders around the league are keeping all options open.
After the 2019 season, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant decided to join forces with the Brooklyn Nets. Many expected them to become the next superteam in the NBA, but that didn’t happen. An array of things ended up going wrong, and the two stars were eventually dealt at this past trade deadline.
Even though things didn’t work out in Brooklyn, Durant and Irving are still close friends away from basketball. Because of this, people around the Phoenix Suns aren’t ruling out the two reuniting in a new spot.
“I would not rule out and Kyrie Irving for Deandre Ayton trade this offseason. I’m telling you, I think there’s a possibility. KD loves Kyrie, I don’t think the Luka/Kyrie thing worked out. There’s only like three teams with cap space so it will have to be a sign-and-trade.”
They might feel a move like this is on the table, but it seems a bit far-fetched. The Suns already have their backcourt, and adding Irving to that mix would only complicate things. He’s played alongside playmakers in the past, but playing Irving, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker all together could cause problems defensively.
If Phoenix was willing to part ways with Chris Paul this summer, a move like this could open up. Outside of that, the Suns are better off upgrading in other ways than hunting more stars.
On the other side, Ayton would be a great fit for the Dallas Mavericks. He is on a similar timeline as Luka Doncic, and could solidify their frontcourt. The former No. 1 pick could also be a good pick-and-roll partner for the All-Star guard.
Phoenix put this version of their team together to compete for a title. With that in mind, it seems doubtful they’d target a player like Irving come the offseason.
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