What level of support does Kevin Durant require to claim another championship?
It appears almost unjust that Durant has been fortunate enough to have played alongside numerous Hall of Fame teammates, although it must be acknowledged that he only secured a championship when he was with Steph Curry and the Warriors.
If I were Durant, I would prefer Irving to avoid joining the Suns; however, it seems that he has not yet comprehended the necessary lesson. Here is the latest via Bleacher Report.
Star point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to meet with the Phoenix Suns along with the Dallas Mavericks and possibly other teams when NBA free agency begins on June 30, league sources tell TNT/Bleacher Report. The Houston Rockets could seek a meeting as well, according to sources.
Meetings are expected to take place in Los Angeles, sources say.
The Suns are still being ultra-aggressive in trying to assemble top talent to play alongside their three stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. New Suns governor Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones are working tirelessly to construct a legitimate championship team.
It would be difficult for the Suns to add Irving due to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. If they acquired him via sign-and-trade, they would be hard-capped at the first salary-cap apron, which is currently projected to be $172 million. They also aren’t expected to have access to the $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception or the $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception at the moment.
The Mavericks are still considered the favorites to re-sign Irving. They would ideally like to get a commitment from him early in free agency so he could assist in recruiting other free agents.
Irving is eligible for a five-year, $272 million max contract.
If Irving were to receive a maximum $272 million contract, I would not begrudge him that. However, were I a team considering him based solely on his availability, I would be hesitant to offer such a contract. This has nothing to do with his personal beliefs or anything of that nature, but rather his ability to remain healthy and active on the court.