Rockets Free Agency Profile: Could Kyrie Irving Mentor Houston's Young Corps?
HOUSTON — Jalen Green did not sound too welcoming when sharing his thoughts about the possibility of James Harden returning to the Houston Rockets. But Green was more optimistic when speaking on his desire to learn from All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.
"I want to learn from Kyrie," Green said. "He has tapped in with me and I have his number. We have texted each other and talked after games. But that is someone I would love to learn from."
Green said he had spoken to Irving in the past, but the two have not initiated a relationship. Nearly a month after Green divulged his sentiment during his guest appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, general manager Rafael Stone could help his third-year guard learn from Irving daily.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets plan to consider a run at Irving in free agency if they are unable to sign Harden.
The signing of Irving would help the Rockets arise from purgatory as they enter phase II of their rebuild. He has been one of the league's best scorers since his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. And when needed, Irving can take the helm as a floor general due to his playmaking.
Adding Irving to Houston's backcourt would help Green and Kevin Porter Jr. lessen the scoring and ball-handling responsibilities the duo has carried the previous two seasons. But Irving will not delay the development of Houston's players due to his willingness to play off-ball.
Irving averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 60 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks during the 2022-23 season.
The All-NBA guard should be an enticing free agency catch for the Rockets — and nearly every team in the league. But acquiring Irving may come with negative ramifications.
Irving has had chemistry problems with each of his previous franchises. His constant clashes with the Boston Celtics' young corps became infamous during his two-year stint, while off-court controversies led to the Nets' decision not to offer Irving the max extension he longed for.
But the most significant obstacle in Houston's attempt to sign Irving would be their long-term investment.
The Rockets will enter free agency with nearly $60 million in cap space. But Irving, who is up for a four-year max contract worth nearly $202 million, would command over half of Houston's salary cap.
A four-year max contract could also prevent the Rockets from retaining the trio of Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun at the end of their respective rookie deals.
Green said he became impressed with Irving during his rookie season in a game where the eight-time All-Star had 42 points in a win over the Rockets in April 2022.
The Nets took a 13-point victory against Houston. Irving put on a show inside the Barclays Center. He shot 13-for-24 from the field, 8-for-16 from behind the arc. He also added six assists, two steals and a block.
As much as Green became fond of Irving, the one-time NBA champion returned the adoration following his battle against Houston's backcourt inside the Barclays Center.
"It's a blessing and an honor — we are breathing the right energy into the next generation," Irving said. "Those guys are ultra-talented. I've watched these guys since they were 15 years old...I look forward to seeing them grow and mature."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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