DALLAS — Kyrie Irving to the Phoenix Suns?
Not so fast.
The Mavericks’ free-agent All-Star guard plans to meet with leaders from the Phoenix Suns after the NBA’s negotiation period opens at 5 p.m. Friday, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
But Irving is also set to communicate with the Mavericks’ executives who have publicly declared their desire to re-sign Irving since his blockbuster trade arrival in early February from the Brooklyn Nets.
The Houston Rockets could also seek a free-agent meeting with Irving, Haynes reported Thursday.
But don’t fret yet, Mavericks fans.
Though the sting of Jalen Brunson’s unrestricted departure for no compensation last offseason still looms over the franchise, the Mavericks remain the most likely option for Irving to land.
Recent chatter about Irving’s determination to evaluate multiple options in free agency is likely more of a negotiating tactic to gain leverage over the Mavericks than it is a real possibility that he’d sign with the Suns — who have no salary cap space after assembling a star-studded roster in recent months — or the Rockets — who wouldn’t offer Irving a better chance to win.
The Mavericks could offer Irving a new contract of up to five years and $272 million because they hold his Bird Rights from the Nets trade.
Owner Mark Cuban and general manager Nico Harrison have been cautious in public settings to discuss whether they view Irving as worthy of a maximum contract, but it’s clear Irving is prioritizing long-term guarantees.
His February trade request from the Nets unfolded after the team declined to offer him a contract extension without stipulations for game availability.
