With an already crazy start to the NBA off-season, now Kyrie Irving is set to meet with the Phoenix Suns in free agency! While this does not make any sense at all it is happening. Kyrie is very likely to re-sign with Dallas but he seems to be testing the waters. Dallas and Phoenix are the two teams Irving has been reported to be interested in.
What Is Irving Planning?
The Meeting with Phoenix is a confusing one. The Suns have no cap space to offer any free agents more than a minimum contract. They are also deep in the luxury tax and ready to blast past the “second apron” according to CBSSports.com. That will restrict the Suns’ ability to bolster for seasons to come. They also gave up almost all of their draft picks while acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradly Beal.
However unlikely, Kyrie Irving could land in Phoenix via a sign-and-trade. That Dallas Mavericks would have to agree to send him there though. Unless the Suns are willing to part ways with either Devin Booker or Bradly Beal this is a very unlikely scenario. Irving is also trying to get his full max contract for as long as he can. This meeting with the Suns may just be a show of power. It would be in Irving’s interest to make it seem like he has other options.
With a Dallas signing seeming to be Irving’s plan, it is not known if it would be a long-term lucrative deal. Irving’s issue is that, while the Mavs want to retain him he is not any other team with enough cap space target. One other team that could seek a meeting would be the Houston Rockets, but it is unknown if Irving has any mutual interest.
Phoenix Seems Like A Long Shot
Even with both parties having an interest in one another, Irving to Phoenix seems like a long shot. Could Kyrie Irving sign a minimum contract if he is unhappy with Dallas? Could he tell them he has no other interest but to play for the Suns to force a sign-and-trade? Neither of those scenarios is impossible, but even with how unpredictable Irving is either would be incredibly shocking.
With free agency starting later today, things are about to really heat up around the NBA. It will be very interesting to see what Kyrie Irving is planning. Being arguably the most unpredictable player in the league, anything could happen. Kyrie Irving could very well find his way to the Phoenix Suns. Only time will tell.
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