Rockets to 'Weigh a Run' at Signing Mavericks PG Kyrie Irving, Says Insider
The Houston Rockets have their sights set on signing James Harden this offseason, but there are backup plans in case the Philadelphia 76ers guard opts to stay put or sign with a different team.
Harden's former teammate with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving, could be an option for the Rockets.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets plan to evaluate a potential run at Irving in free agency if they prove unable to land Harden, who is reportedly "torn" between joining them or staying with the 76ers.
"I have also heard that the Rockets, in the event that they are unable to lure Harden away from Philadelphia and back to Houston, plan to weigh a run at Dallas' Kyrie Irving," Stein wrote.
Despite the potential pursuit from the Rockets, the Mavs are considered the only team in the NBA with "definitive interest" in signing Irving. However, the potential for the Rockets to enter into the mix has been "increasingly cited" by some.
“The Mavericks remain the league's only known team with definitive interest in signing the mercurial Irving next month, but league sources say that the Rockets have been increasingly cited as a team that could (stress: could) join the bidding if Harden elects to stay with the 76ers,” Stein wrote.
There have been some around the league that have questioned whether Irving, who is known for his mentorship of young players, would be a better fitting option for the Rockets than to pursue a reunion with Harden.
Recently, one NBA scout told NBA Analysis Network that he likes Irving’s fit on the Rockets more than bringing back Harden.
“Harden has been linked to Houston a lot. That obviously is real, but I like Kyrie Irving as a better fit,” the scout said. “He’s more of a natural mentor and wouldn’t be as ball dominant as Harden. I see that being a great basketball fit.
“Again, young players respond well to his [Irving’s] leadership, and he has championship experience. He could give that team more direction offensively. That would go a long way for those guys like Jalen Green and [Alperen] Sengun, especially for Jabari Smith.”
Irving, who averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 60 games with the Nets and Dallas Mavericks last season, would certainly raise the Rockets' ceiling, but would it come at the expense of developing the young Houston players?
The argument of adding a veteran to the young core or not has been rampant in Houston for years, but with coach Ime Udoka in town and reason to win this year without the guarantee of a top pick, signing Irving or other veterans makes sense for the Rockets this summer.
You can follow Grant Afseth on Twitter at @GrantAfseth
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