One NBA insider “would not be surprised” if All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving meets with the Philadelphia 76ers amid the James Harden trade rumors.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN thinks Irving could set up a meeting with the Sixers if and when Harden is traded. “The Beard” is working with Philly on a trade after opting into his 2023-24 player option.
Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. If and when the Sixers trade Harden, they would need another star to play alongside reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Irving is one of the most talented players in the NBA and could be a good fit next to Embiid since he’s a gifted scorer and passer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The 31-year-old Irving averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists this past season with the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks while shooting 49.4% from the field, 37.9% from beyond the arc and 90.5% from the free-throw line. Many NBA insiders believe Irving will meet with other teams in free agency just to create leverage and ultimately receive a max contract from the Mavericks.
Dallas owner Mark Cuban recently said he wants to re-sign Irving once free agency opens. Cuban doesn’t want to lose Irving like he lost point guard Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks last summer.
“We want to sign him and hopefully he wants to come back,” Cuban said on The Ben and Skin Show. “I’m not going to handicap anymore. I learned my lesson last year.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Philadelphia 76ers 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. It’s going to be very fascinating to see where Harden and Irving are playing next season. Both guards are very polarizing players, but there is no denying how special they are on the basketball court.
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