Suns GM James Jones Responds to Kyrie Irving Rumors
Earlier this morning, NBA on TNT's Chris Haynes reported the Phoenix Suns were slated to speak with free agent superstar Kyrie Irving.
The Suns have reportedly had Irving on their radar for months now, initially pursuing him at the trade deadline before losing out to the Dallas Mavericks.
Phoenix has kept their eyes on Irving through the finish of the 2022-23 season, and now a meeting is set to take place between the two sides.
Suns general manager James Jones wouldn't confirm the report when asked during Bradley Beal's introductory press conference earlier today:
"What we do in free agency is an internal matter that we always keep internal. There are plenty of great players that we'll talk to during this period," said Jones.
"That's where I'll leave it at."
The Suns are already practically at the limit of what they can do financially, so Irving would have to take a veteran minimum contract if he truly wanted to play in Phoenix. The Suns' top four of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Beal combine for north of $160 million in salary for next season.
"From a roster perspective, we'll have a ton of really qualified great players that can fill that spot. But lucky for me I don't make those decisions. The players decide through competition and coach has to make that tough choice," said Jones.
Suns head coach Frank Vogel followed with, "I would add the same thing. Cam Payne will get a look, we'll see what other free agents that we sign, and those answers will play out in camp."
Phoenix's need for a natural point guard isn't necessarily a "need", at least to Vogel. He said he was comfortable with either Booker or Beal running the point, though there likely won't be a traditional point guard in Phoenix's offense under his guidance.
If Irving were to land in Phoenix, Vogel and his staff would surely figure out a way to work Irving into an already crowded starting lineup/backcourt.
