Could the Phoenix Suns make a significant impact in NBA free agency?
The franchise is set to speak with star point guard Kyrie Irving when NBA free agency starts on Friday, according to Bleacher Report and TNT’s Chris Haynes.
Irving, who was moved from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks last season, is also anticipated to meet with the Mavericks and “possibly other teams,” including the Houston Rockets, according to Haynes.
According to Haynes’ account, the meetings are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
Irving was a teammate of Kevin Durant’s in Brooklyn and would offer the Suns a significant boost at point guard after Phoenix dealt Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards earlier this month in exchange for Bradley Beal.
Cameron Payne, the Suns’ backup point guard last season, is still on the roster, and Devin Booker is capable of filling that role.
Kyrie Irving: Can the Phoenix Suns afford him?
In his report, Haynes sought to address this topic.
“The Suns are still aggressively pursuing top talent to complement their three stars, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.” “New Suns governor Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones are working tirelessly to assemble a championship-caliber team,” Haynes said. “Due to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, adding Irving would be difficult for the Suns.”
They would be hard-capped at the first salary-cap threshold if they acquired him through sign-and-trade, which is presently estimated to be $172 million. They are also not likely to be able to take use of the $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exemption or the $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception for the time being. Dallas remains the favourite to re-sign Irving. They’d want to secure a commitment from him early on in free agency so he can help attract other free agents. Irving is eligible for a maximum deal of $272 million over five years.”
Kyrie Irving has previously connected to the Suns.
This isn’t the first time the Suns have been linked to Irving in trade or free agency rumours in previous years.
Last season, the Suns attempted to deal Paul to the Brooklyn Nets for Irving before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
Dallas eventually acquired him, while Phoenix signed Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade.
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