3 NBA landing spots for Mavs Star

NBA Analytics NetworkKyrie Irving is coming off a productive NBA season that started with the Brooklyn Nets but …

Kyrie Irving is coming off a productive NBA season that started with the Brooklyn Nets but ended as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. If the trade was considered a trial run for both Irving and the Mavs, it’s safe to say that Dallas not only failed, but failed miserably.

The Mavs went from fourth in the Western Conference when Irving made his debut and talked as if championship contention was immediately possible, until finally being asked to sit on the bench in street clothes to fuel the franchise.

A 31-year-old looking to win at a high level isn’t going to be happy when asked to tank, especially when the franchise’s first attempt happened long before they were mathematically eliminated. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him looking around at his options.

Irving can re-sign with the Mavs in free agency to a five-year, $272.9 million contract. However, before being traded from the Nets, he sought a contract extension “close” to a four-year, $198.5 million deal. He was only eligible to sign a two-year, $78.6 million extension until June 30 after he was traded.

Whether Irving ultimately stays with the Mavs or leaves, it’s set up mathematically to be a no-brainer to reach free agency. Here are three possible suitors for his services.

For a great NBA career he’s had and the impact on the Phoenix Suns Chris Paul has made, it’s clear he’s finally slowing down. In addition, it has been difficult for him to complete playoff runs without impactful injuries for years.

The hard cap would quickly become an issue requiring creative navigation if the Suns came in hot pursuit of Irving. The flexible last two seasons of his contract could present an opportunity as only $15.8 million of $30.8 million is guaranteed for 2023–24. In the next season, none of his salary is guaranteed.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates

Deandre Ayton, who will earn about $32.5 million next season, could be a logical trade candidate in the off-season if necessary. He is a helpful player, but the cost of his specific impact is high. Would the Mavs be intrigued by a possible sign-and-trade?

There are many decisions the Los Angeles Lakers have to make in the off-season. The team turned their season around after taking full advantage of the NBA trade deadline, but will have to avoid getting too attached if it means they can still improve. Adding a talent like Irving would be an example of how they can improve.

D’Angelo Russell shows during the first round series of the Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies that he is not the right answer in the backcourt. His recent comments suggest he’s not happy about not being a point guard instead of being a “basketball player” with Los Angeles. His lack of production after a strong start to his tenure is concerning.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

It’s rare that a team gets the chance to add one of the most skilled players in the NBA. Irving would take the Lakers to the next level in the necessary ways, even if several of the players added mid-season who have been given helpful roles have had to be cut.

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving during the season, finding a needed co-star alongside Luka Doncic was a step up. In theory, simply adding such a talent is a necessary step for the Mavs to achieve the “difficult” part of team building, which is finding fundamental talents.

The problem for the Mavs is that adding superstar talent is about as much as getting them right. They relied on an unsustainable defensive style with underwhelming personnel throughout their Western Conference Finals run, then failed to take any further steps after the Irving trade to repair an already significantly diminished defense.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving & Dallas Mavericks Updates

That said, the Mavs can’t afford to have traded for Irving, all for him to leave free. They have to do whatever it takes to re-sign him or they’ll become an even bigger laughingstock at a time when they’re already getting daily reminders about Jalen Brunson.

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