Superstar point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to meet with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks once free agency opens on June 30, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. The Houston Rockets, who have over $60 million in cap space, could seek a meeting with Irving as well.
“Star point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to meet with the Phoenix Suns along with the Dallas Mavericks and possibly other teams when NBA free agency begins on June 30, league sources tell TNT/Bleacher Report,” Haynes wrote. “The Houston Rockets could seek a meeting as well, according to sources. Meetings are expected to take place in Los Angeles, sources say.”
Irving and Suns star small forward Kevin Durant are close friends. They were teammates on the Brooklyn Nets and remain pals despite Irving requesting a trade from the Nets this past season and getting dealt to the Mavericks.
It would be difficult for the Suns to add Irving due to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. If Phoenix acquired the NBA champion via a sign-and-trade deal, the franchise would be hard-capped at the first salary-cap apron, which is currently projected to be $172 million.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns & Houston Rockets Updates
The Suns aren’t expected to have access to the $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception or the $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception after acquiring All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.
The Mavericks are still considered the favorites to re-sign Irving, who is eligible for a five-year, $272 million max contract. The Duke product averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 20 games with Dallas this past season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns & Houston Rockets Updates
Irving has career averages of 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He has made eight All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams. Both Dallas superstar point-forward Luka Doncic and head coach Jason Kidd want Irving back next season, league sources told NBA Analysis Network.
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