Suns' Chances of Landing Kyrie Irving Improve After Lakers Reportedly Out
The Phoenix Suns - when healthy, of course - have plenty of talent at their disposal.
The conversation begins with Kevin Durant, one of the game's all-time greatest players who has proved capable of scoring at any spot on the court along with underrated defense.
Facilitating the offense is Chris Paul, one of the best floor generals of his generation. Devin Booker has proved to be one of the NBA's best scorers when he's up to task and Deandre Ayton has flashed potential to be what the Suns hoped he could be when taking him with the organization's lone No. 1 overall pick.
However, there just might be room for another star in Kyrie Irving after the season is over.
From a Suns perspective, they're reportedly been searching for Paul's future replacement at point guard. Paul will be 38-years-old next season and only $15.8 million of his $30.8 million is guaranteed for the 2023-24 season.
A year later (and the final year of his contract), Paul carries no guaranteed money.
His exit is only a matter of time, and Irving has been frequently tied to the Suns. The Athletic's Shams Charania reportedly Phoenix was one of the teams linked with Irving before he was eventually dealt from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks. Days later Durant landed with the Suns, and there's been some buzz that the duo would like to unite once more.
Just days ago, NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers were the most frequently mentioned in inner circles to land Irving in the summer. Irving (31-years-old) is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
The Mavericks may feel pressure to keep Irving at whatever cost in the summer, yet Irving may feel the need to explore other opportunities despite his recent arrival.
Recently, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported that multiple NBA sources said the Lakers were unlikely to pursue Irving in favor of keeping their trade deadline acquisitions, many of which are set to hit free agency.
Now, it appears the Suns have an even clearer path to land Irving - should they choose to do so. Phoenix is already deep in the luxury tax and would have to work some cap magic to add Irving to the lineup.
However, new Suns owner Mat Ishbia seems fairly open to spending whatever amount if takes to win a championship. Irving's arrival shouldn't be discounted just yet.
