Mavs’ Kyrie Irving as Rockets' James Harden Sign-&-Trade Backup Plan?

The Mavs remain optimistic about re-signing Kyrie Irving, but there is growing buzz about the Rockets making a potential pursuit if they don't sign James Harden.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks' top offseason priority remains to re-sign Kyrie Irving, who is set to reach free agency this summer. While the speculation linking him to the Los Angeles Lakers has toned down, potential changes in the market remain something to monitor. 

Irving, who averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 60 games with the Mavs last season, is eligible to sign a five-year, $272.9 million contract if he were to re-sign with Dallas. If he was to depart and sign outright with a different team, he is eligible to sign a four-year, $201.7 million contract.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Houston Rockets plan to evaluate a potential run at Irving in free agency if they prove unable to land James Harden, who is reportedly "torn" between joining them or staying with the Philadelphia 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.”

The Mavs are eligible to begin contract talks with Irving the day after the NBA Finals end after a change to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Other teams, including the Rockets, aren't eligible to begin those conversations with other team's free agents until June 30. 

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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