Ranking Potential Landing Spots for Kyrie Irving

The Suns have plenty to offer for the rental All-Star

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and for the Phoenix Suns, it seems a big move is imminent. In what feels like the final hour, a new possible trade candidate has emerged in Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving - who requested a trade just two days ago.

The Suns - for the second time since the summer - are talking with Brooklyn about trading for one of their superstars. While the Suns have the most to offer in terms of assets in both players and draft picks to Brooklyn, the list below attempts looks at what Irving wants as well.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

There is simply too much history here to think that this is where Irving would want to go and the team seems equally as desperate. Anyone but LeBron James and Anthony Davis seems available to move. They also do have some immediate draft picks available in the second round of 2023 and both first and second round picks in 2025. 

Irving’s best days were with LeBron and it seems he is happy to be second place on a team. Patrick Beverley being part of the deal back to Brooklyn is sure to make Phoenix fans happy as well.

2. Phoenix Suns

It’s funny to think that in some universe Irving already plays for the Suns and Josh Jackson is a superstar for the Cavaliers. Maybe even crazier is that in reality Phoenix has made more trips to the NBA Finals than Irving since 2017. 

Had Irving requested a trade three weeks ago, Phoenix would have been number one on this list, but it is beginning to look like the team is starting to turn itself around. Still, the Suns are missing a true offensive threat without Devin Booker and as a team rank 22nd in the league in points per game. This would also give Phoenix the ever-so-awkward three starting guards and two starting spots once everyone is maybe someday healthy... maybe. 

3. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas is in a similar offensive rut that the Suns are in but do not have the same level of future assets that Phoenix does in draft picks. It will be interesting to see if Brooklyn uses interest from Dallas against the Suns to pry more out of a possible trade. Luka Doncic desperately needs some help, but can the Mavericks outbid the above two teams? That's unlikely. 

Dark horse: The Clippers. They are strapped for assets but for a true rental they could depart with their 2023 first-round swap pick and have three 2023 second-round picks.