Kyrie Irving Traded to Mavericks; Suns, Lakers Miss Out

The Brooklyn Nets have traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers were also top suitors in the race as well.

The dream of the Phoenix Suns acquiring Kyrie Irving didn't last but a mere two days, as the Brooklyn Nets have traded their superstar point guard to the Dallas Mavericks for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick and more second round picks according to Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Clarify: Mavs are sending 2029 first-round pick to the Nets. https://t.co/6ZPNsMbhdQ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2023

Irving missed Saturday's game with "right ankle soreness", a sly move by both parties to ensure he was healthy and ready to move on. 

The Suns and Los Angeles Lakers were first reported as strong suitors to land Irving when he first requested a trade. 

Thus far, Irving is averaging 27.1 points per game on 48.6% shooting with 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per night as well. His cap hit for the 2022-23 season is $36.9 million and he will be an unrestricted free-agent this summer. 

The Suns may have been a fit for Irving as they were looking to solve the future puzzle of who would run the point as Chris Paul will be 38-years-old next season. 

Phoenix now could potentially shift their focus to Kevin Durant, a player they previously tried to acquire over the summer but failed to. All depending on what Brooklyn wants to do, Durant could potentially be available for a monster haul. 

The Suns are still expected to move Jae Crowder, but now the possibility of acquiring a top point guard is out of the picture.