NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns wanted both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at trade deadline
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have seen their time as teammates come to an end. But according to one NBA insider, the two superstars weren't going to be split up.
The Phoenix Suns made headlines during the 2023 NBA trade deadline with the acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant. Throughout the trade speculation leading up to the deadline, Phoenix was mentioned as a team that was interested in Durant's teammate, Kyrie Irving.
According to a recent report from Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Phoenix Suns were interested in acquiring both Irving and Durant as a packaged deal at the deadline.
"There were rumblings around the league that Phoenix was hoping to somehow land both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at the trade deadline"
There were rumblings around the league that Phoenix was hoping to somehow land both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, per @JakeLFischer https://t.co/sEtSFo62x6
Phoenix Suns wanted to acquire both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant
It's remarkable to think that the Phoenix Suns wanted to acquire both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at the deadline. There's no denying that the duo of superstars are some of the most dangerous players on the offensive side of the ball. Both Irving and Durant have shown the ability to be a dynamic combination, especially when their game is on.
Instead, Kyrie Irving ended up being moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Durant has now found himself with the Phoenix Suns, making one of the most dangerous starting fives in the entire NBA, if he can stay healthy.
Durant was having a sensational season for the Brooklyn Nets before suffering an MCL sprain. He’s averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 55.9% from the field. The hope is that Durant will be available to return to the floor for the Phoenix Suns after the 2023 NBA All-Star break.
Kyrie Irving was also having a strong season for the Brooklyn Nets before requesting a trade. With Brooklyn, Irving posted averages of 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Irving is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season, something that will be worth monitoring moving forward. In four games with the Dallas Mavericks, Irving has averaged 28.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.