Miami Heat May Lose Another Star Target To The Phoenix Suns

The Miami Heat already lost star shooting guard Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns earlier this month.

Now, they may be losing Kyrie Irving as well. Irving plans to meet with Phoenix at the start of free agency, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.

NBA star Kyrie Irving intends to meet with the Phoenix Suns when the free agency period begins on June 30, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. https://t.co/9KOjnqMu0N
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2023

Irving isn’t heavily tied to Miami, especially after president Pat Riley’s comments about not needing much outside help. Regardless, the Heat were still tied to the star point guard, especially after reportedly making an offer for him at the trade deadline.

With this new development though, Irving seemingly has his eyes on the Suns. He would likely have to take the veteran minimum but he would elevate a unit that already has championship ambitions.

This would re-unite Irving with his former Brooklyn Nets teammate Kevin Durant, who were championship contenders with James Harden in 2021. Injuries and off-court drama ended this fairly quickly, deeming the whole endeavor underwhelming. The Suns were the favorites to make the Finals with Durant, but fell short to the Denver Nuggets with a lack of bench production and an inevitable Chris Paul injury. They still have depth issues but a starting five of Irving, Devin Booker, Beal, Durant and DeAndre Ayton would be difficult to beat.

Should Irving go to Phoenix, the Heat may have to re-evaluate their roster. Riley’s confidence in the current team is already lost among fans, and may continue if they keep letting star players slip out of their grasp.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.