Before acquiring Kevin Durant from Brooklyn, the Suns also inquired about the possibility of trading for Kyrie Irving, and there were rumblings around the NBA about Phoenix trying to land the two Nets stars as a package, writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. That’s similar to what Chris Haynes reported last week on an episode of his #thisleague UNCUT podcast.
Haynes cautioned not to dismiss the possibility of the Suns pursuing Irving in the offseason if things in Dallas don’t work out, and Fischer conveys a similar sentiment, writing that “a future reunification of Durant and Irving with the Suns will loom on the periphery of both Phoenix and Dallas’ stretch runs.”
Although Chris Paul still occupies the point guard spot in Phoenix, he’ll turn 38 this spring, so the Suns are already working on a potential succession plan. Phoenix was viewed prior to the trade deadline as a team that could be in on Fred VanVleet this summer if the Raptors point guard tests free agency, and Fischer expects the club to explore other contingency plans as well.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- The Mavericks‘ decision to gamble on Irving raised some eyebrows around the NBA, says Fischer. As he explains, sources close to the situation say that – despite some outside speculation about the franchise’s ceiling – Luka Doncic hadn’t begun to consider a future outside of Dallas this season. But if things go sideways with Kyrie, that could “escalate real concerns about Doncic’s timeline in Dallas,” Fischer writes.
- Even after trading Durant and Irving, the Nets believe they have enough talent to be a playoff team, and Fischer says the “smart money” would bet on them seeking win-now moves in the offseason rather than taking another step back. To that end, Brooklyn didn’t seriously entertain trade offers for Mikal Bridges despite serious interest from the Grizzlies, whose pursuit of Bridges began when he was still with the Suns.
- The Nets are widely expected to gauge the trade market for Ben Simmons this offseason, according to Fischer. However, the former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up will still have two years and $78MM+ left on his contract after this season.
We traded the two Stars We were hoping would lead us to a championship for a #3 in Mikal Bridges, role-players, and Pix. Emotions got in the way of SOUND business decisions. Instead of blowing this s–t up, we’re trying to retool.
The only hope this retool has of succeeding is the Nets demolish and rebuild Ben Simmons’ game
The Nets make very few sound business decisions overall.
Ben Simmons is the most untradeable contract in the league.
Rudy Gobert says hi.
Tho yea I guess that maybe the trade that might unload nets from Simmons.
@Codeeg The guy that got traded in the off season? Lol right
Hopefully the Nets have learned a valuable lesson in these past few seasons. Do not be tempted to sign or trade for superstar pre Madonna type players!
Harden, Simmons, Irving and we must add Durant.
These types actually think they are more important than the team itself.
If they send along about 50-60 million bucks, they might be able to get some sucker GM to take Simmons!
Post Madonna players are a much better bet.
You’re right slimmy. Madonna is what now 64? Gonna be hard to find productive player born before 1958. Post Madonna players are going to be much better even if at times we take them for granite and they can be prima donnas at times.
ima help you out, it’s *primadonna / prima donna
pre Madonna would be prior to 1958
Durant & Irving have their critics on their contributions in Brooklyn, but they left with class putting 100% effort out on court, and playing the Nets into excellent playoff positioning. (And even an MCL sprain) James Harden left Houston much different, as did Kawhi Leonard and San Antonio, and many others.
My most local team is ran by morons who squander cash, and assets historically like no other, and get caught up in media drama’s that disappear for the player when they move to another franchise, miraculously. I am not calling this out, time will tell, but Joe Tsai, and Marks, and the entire Nets organization other than Vaughan appear to be suspect. We’ll see… But many star players seem to have problems with the Nets upon their arrival for decades now, whether pre-existing, or not.
Is this Mama Durant’s burner?
Or is this Irving’s step-momma’s burner?
No, anyone with a memory past last week
Hi Kyrie, welcome to the site.
Hi LARP with no original, critical, thought, or opinion of their own!
Thank you for the best laugh I had today. Kyrie and the phrase “class and 100% effort” are complete strangers. He quits on every team he jlins. Never mind his off court antics which surely are not that of an individual with maturity tact or “class”.
He’s on his best “hey I’m a good guy” behavior. Wait until he loses interest,throws his first tantrum in Dallas. Then he’ll start blaiming the media,the fans and ultimately the team.
Yes we’ve seen this play before….
This is LAUGHABLE!
Durant followed Irving to Brooklyn, who the Nets allowed to get away with just about everything. When the Nets pulled up their big boy pants and started pushing back, Irving “felt” disrespected. Once the Nets traded Irving, play time was over.
When Brooklyn gets another Star, they’ll do better because it’s NOT Kyrie Irving
I’m laughing alright, but probably not at the same thing you are…
KY will go to Suns in a S&T for Ayton … Cp3 back to LA
Please let the Suns get eliminated this year just so we can see Kyrie and Durant fail again together. Oh the legacy each of them would leave if that happens.
Like lebron’s legacy of Lossing and not playing defense when it matters.