NBA

NBA free agency 2023: Kyrie Irving’s possible destinations

One of the biggest free agency moves will be Kyrie Irving, and while staying in Dallas may be his best option, we look at some other likely landing spots.

Update: Jun 28th, 2023 06:07 EDT

Kevin JairajUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Kyrie Irving is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, and while there is no doubt that the Dallas Mavericks guard has the skills to lift any team, he can also tear a team apart if left unchecked.

All signs point to Irving staying put in Dallas and that will probably be his smartest move. Luka Doncic can do all of the legwork and Irving can simply find his spot and sink the feeds that he gets. The numbers that he put up this season should be proof that this duo can be a force to be reckoned with.

Where Irving lands this free agency is one of the biggest stories in the NBA and while staying in Dallas may be his best bet, we check out the best destinations for him should he decide to seek pastures new.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on the expectation being for Kyrie Irving to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

"The market for Kyrie Irving [in terms of] legitimate places that he would leave Dallas for that makes sense [and] that are available to him [are] extremely limited.… pic.twitter.com/9uLUrEFSjL
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) June 28, 2023

Chicago Bulls

If ever a team was in dire need of a rebuild, it is Chicago. Irving would definitely give this direction-less offense some potency and show off his capabilities to carry a team to the playoffs. With the return on Lonzo Ball next season, Irving could find a shooting partner to put up big numbers.

Los Angeles Lakers

Standing head and shoulders above the other teams is the Lakers, who are seen as the primary suitor for luring Irving away from Dallas. With an ageing LeBron James and injury-laden Anthony Davis, Los Angeles needs an All-Star quality guard to fill that gap. Irving is one of the best offensive players in the league and the lure of the West Coast might be too much to resist.

Houston Rockets

There is a scenario in which Houston might pivot toward Irving in free agency. It is no secret that the Rockets are chasing James Harden, and that they have more money to spend than almost any other team. Still, landing Irving would be shocking for Houston, but certainly not out of the realms of possibility.

There’s a difference between being in shape and being in game shape.

“Being able to run up and down for 5 minutes straight is not being in shape. Being able to affect the game for 5 minutes straight; that’s being in shape.” ~ Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/1SPprcleIK
— Coach Rell🏀 (@RSkillAcademy) June 19, 2023

Miami Heat

With Tyler Herro moving on, the Heat will be on the lookout for a replacement, and Irving would be a step up for them. It would mean complicated moves to get Irving to come to Miami, but if they pull it off, they could have one of the most exciting big three partnerships in the NBA teaming Irving with Adebayo and Butler.

Phoenix Suns

With the acquisition of Kevin Durant, the Suns are on the board as one of the most talented teams in the NBA. They will make a run at the playoffs in any case, but the addition of Irving could see them become a juggernaut that can steamroll their way to a championship.