The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a blockbuster trade over the weekend with the Brooklyn Nets. They are taking a chance on NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving, hoping that he helps get their team over the hump as the co-star alongside Luka Doncic.
It is a worthwhile gamble for the Mavericks as Irving will help elevate the team to another level. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith are both solid players, but as previously constructed, the Mavericks weren’t a title contender.
Landing Irving can also be considered a win for Dallas because it meant one of their competitors didn’t land him. The Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly pursuing him, which comes as no surprise given the connection LeBron James and Irving have. What was a bit surprising was a third team that was in on the bidding.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Phoenix Suns actually attempted to acquire Irving as well. Chris Paul was reportedly the centerpiece of the package offered to the Nets, which they ultimately turned down.
“Phoenix offered a package around Paul, Jae Crowder and one first-round pick, sources said. The offer was made within the first 18 hours of Irving’s trade request,” Charania reported. “It’s believed that three first-round picks could have clinched a deal, multiple league sources said. However, the Suns never added those picks and failed to make a better offer. Beginning to lose interest in a trade for Irving as time went on.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Based on what the Mavericks landed Irving for, asking the Suns for three first-round picks is quite an absurd request. Paul only has one guaranteed season on his contract remaining, as the 2024-25 season is non-guaranteed. Clearly means the Nets could have gotten out from under his contract in the offseason of 2024.
While that should require a little more compensation, it should be no surprise that the Suns balked at that asking price. Three first-round picks is a steep price for anyone to pay, as the most the Nets likely would have gotten is two from the Lakers attached to Russell Westbrook, who is on an expiring contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Dallas Mavericks Updates
A backcourt of Irving and Devin Booker would have been quite dynamic. Surrounded by capable role players such as Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Deandre Ayton. Undoubtedly Suns would have been a dangerous team to go up against for the remainder of the season. Finally, it wasn’t in the cards as they will have to seek out upgrades elsewhere.
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