5 teams that could steal Kyrie Irving from Dallas Mavericks in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a bold trade for Kyrie Irving in February. They wanted to get Luka Doncic a co-star, and the Mavs jumped at the first chance. Dallas gave up three draft picks and two starters to acquire the eight-time All-Star, who is set to become a free agent this summer.

Things did not go as planned after the deal. Before the trade, the Mavs were fighting for a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference at three games over .500. They hoped to make a strong close to the season and finish inside the top four, but instead, Dallas went 9-18 after the trade and missed the playoffs entirely. It has fans questioning the fit between the two stars and whether Irving has already played his last game in Dallas.

Kyrie is free to sign with any team this summer, but only rebuilding organizations are projected to have significant cap space. Will Irving get a max contract offer from another team? Dallas has to re-sign the eight-time All-Star, but he figures to have plenty of suitors on the open market.

Teams that could steal Kyrie Irving from Dallas Mavericks in free agency: 5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets have won 59 games in the last three seasons combined, but they plan on moving past their rebuild this summer. Houston will have another top pick to add with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, and Kevin Porter Jr. to form a dynamic young core.

The Rockets have cap space, and they plan on being aggressive. They have been heavily linked to James Harden (subscription required), but what if the former MVP stays in Philly? Expect Houston to set their sights on another star.

Would Kyrie sign with the Rockets to spearhead their young roster? Does Houston have interest in Irving? The Rockets have cap space and a desire to improve their roster. Kyrie Irving is one of the top free agents, so it is something worth watching.

4. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are always chasing the next superstar player, and Pat Riley has a history of landing them. The former player and coach is one of the most successful executives in the league, and he has won nine championships from 1972 as a player to 2013 in his current role. He is eager to bring another title to South Beach, and Riley knows that landing another superstar likely gets them closer to that goal.

The Heat nearly missed the playoffs this season only to upset the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round. Jimmy Butler took his game to another level, and the 34-year-old is eager to win a championship. Miami reached the NBA Finals inside the bubble in 2020 before falling to the Lakers. How can they get back?

The Heat won’t have cap space, but they could offer Tyler Herro or Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade for Kyrie Irving. Dallas won’t be thrilled with either package, but Kyrie holds the cards here. If he wants to join the Heat, the Mavericks will have a tough time stopping him.

Does Irving want to team with Jimmy Butler in Miami or Luka Doncic in Dallas? Butler has struggled to stay healthy, and there is significant risk with the Heat, but Kyrie is no stranger to that.

3. LA Clippers

The LA Clippers were interested in Kyrie Irving and reportedly made a significant offer back in February before the Nets traded him to Dallas. Owner Steve Ballmer is not afraid to spend, and the Clippers could be eager to shake things up after a first-round playoff exit.

The new CBA could play a massive role here. There is now a second tax apron designed at keeping teams for wild spending, and the Clippers are one of the two franchises facing immediate penalties. It could restrict their ability to trade this summer, and it may have an impact on their interest in Kyrie.

LA could offer a sign-and-trade package for Kyrie, but making the math work is nearly impossible without giving up Kawhi Leonard or Paul George. Pulling off a sign-and-trade hard caps the team for that year. This year, the figure was $156.9 million. The Clippers are projected to have a payroll of over $200 million next season.

LA would have to completely retool their roster to get Kyrie Irving. Would they be willing to do it? Does the eight-time All-Star give the Clippers a better chance to contend next to Kawhi than PG13? Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue knows Irving well from their time in Cleveland together where the Cavaliers won the title in 2016. Acquiring Kyrie would be a bold move by LA, but crazier things have happened in the NBA.

2. Phoenix Suns

The Suns' interest is difficult to judge at the current moment. Chris Haynes reported Phoenix offered Chris Paul and a package of picks to Brooklyn for Irving before he was traded to Dallas. That was also before the Suns traded for Kevin Durant.

KD and Kyrie teamed up together in Brooklyn in the summer of 2019, and they thought they would bring a title to the Nets. James Harden even joined them to form a “Big 3”, but Brooklyn won just one playoff series in the three-plus years the two superstars were on their roster.

Durant recently commented on his current relationship with Kyrie, and things do not appear to be the best. Fans witnessed their lack of exchange when the Mavericks face the Suns in early March. Would KD be interested in a Kyrie reunion this summer?

The Suns could still explore the option. Kyrie further opens their championship window, especially if they can send the soon-to-be 38-year-old Chris Paul back to Dallas. Irving is seven years younger and closer to his prime.

The Mavs would ask for Deandre Ayton in a sign-and-trade, but Phoenix would have the upper hand in the negotiation if Kyrie wants to head to the Suns. Phoenix is clearly all-in with Durant and Devin Booker leading their charge, so expect them to do whatever it takes to improve their roster this summer.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the Mavericks' biggest competitor here, and this could turn into a repeat of the Jalen Brunson situation all over again. LeBron James has been recruiting Kyrie for months, and the Lakers offered two first-round picks to the Nets to acquire the eight-time All-Star. The duo won a championship together in Cleveland, and King James knows what Irving can do on the court.

Irving was spotted at the Lakers game against the Grizzlies on April 28, and he has long had interest in joining forces with LeBron again. Could a reunion be in store this summer?

The Lakers are going to do what King James wants, and they could quickly create some space to sign Kyrie. They would have to decline Malik Beasley’s club option, cut Mo Bamba, and renounce the cap holds on D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Lonnie Walker, and Dennis Schroder. That would leave them about $20 million to give Kyrie and still have the right to re-sign Austin Reaves. Is Irving willing to take a pay cut to play with LeBron?

Kyrie Irving can get the most money and years from the Dallas Mavericks, but what does he want? Ultimately, the 31-year-old superstar will get to decide his next team.

Kyrie’s free agency is one of the many things to watch this summer. The Mavs desperately need to improve their roster, and there is a ton of work ahead. Stay tuned for all the latest.