Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia knows no boundaries when it comes to spending to maiximize a championship window.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, superstar guard Kyrie Irving will meet with the Suns and Dallas Mavericks ahead of his free agency decision:
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
There’s a lot to dig into when it comes to Irving potentially being in Phoenix next season. For starters, there’s the financial hurdle that Irving will command from Phoenix more than likely.
Irving reportedly is expecting a deal that could range in the 5–year, $200 million-plus range from Dallas. It’s also widely expected that Irving will remain with the Mavericks for the long haul.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this week that the league-wide notion from potential suitors for the eight-time All-Star is that he also will remain with the Mavericks as well. There have been numerous reports of Irving already inquiring on retaining his No.11 jersey from Tim Hardaway, Jr.
So, how do the Suns fit into the often-repeated chaos surrounding Irving’s offseason sagas? Not easily to be blunt.
The Money Hurdle
Phoenix will already have an extremely difficult time luring quality depth players in free agency that want more than a minimum deal; Irving is no exception to that.
With Irving likely wanting as close as he can get to a max deal, the Suns will be forced to ship out one of their premier players.
It’s no secret that the only player that would be immediately moved in any scenario would be Deandre Ayton. The Suns had reportedly ceased talks on Ayton for now, but that could change soon.
In such a scenario, Irving would more than likely have to agree to a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks to make the money work. Ayton is due $32.4 million next season.
The “Fit” Hurdle
Aside from simply stacking stars together and hoping it works, Phoenix actually has to find cohesion with its current group.
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal currently compose the backcourt. Now, adding Irving to the mix would just make for one of the smallest lineups in recent memory.
The Suns could benefit from having an unlimited amount of off-ball schematics between the three players. Still, the overall fit and gelling of the offense isn’t necessarily there.
