Kevin Durant was recently traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, concluding a disappointing two-and-a-half-year stretch marked by multiple coaching changes and limited playoff success. The Rockets gave up only Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall draft pick in the deal, a relatively modest price considering Durant’s scoring prowess.
This acquisition is a significant boost for Houston, which lacked a dependable scorer in last season’s playoffs. Despite Durant entering the latter stage of his career, the Rockets still feature promising talent such as Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Fred VanVleet, along with guidance from head coach Ime Udoka.
The Missed Opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks
There was a notable possibility that Durant could have joined the Dallas Mavericks, but that scenario changed dramatically. According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the key turning point was the ACL injury suffered by Kyrie Irving, which altered the Mavericks’ plans.
“In just talking to people across the league, I got the sense, and I started reporting it around February, March, that had Kyrie Irving not injured his knee, tore his ACL, we might be having another conversation about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as members of the Dallas Mavericks,”
Robinson revealed.
“Kyrie Irving’s injury, his knee, really was, no pun intended, the Achilles heel as to why KD did not find a way to the Dallas Mavericks.”
The Impact of Irving and Durant’s Relationship
Irving and Durant share a close friendship, having played together on the Brooklyn Nets during a turbulent period. Their shared history has been extensively discussed, with both players openly addressing the difficulties they faced. Irving recently described their experience as a “mess,” highlighting the complicated dynamics involved.
The Mavericks would have needed to part with several reliable rotation players to accommodate Durant’s salary under NBA trade rules. This challenge was similar to their reluctance to pursue LeBron James, who, while older, also commanded a substantial contract, indicating the financial considerations that influenced Dallas’ decisions.
What This Means for Durant and Dallas Moving Forward
This unexpected twist stemming from Kyrie Irving’s injury has had a ripple effect on Kevin Durant’s career trajectory and the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions. With Durant now in Houston, the Rockets hope to leverage his scoring ability alongside their young core to make a stronger playoff push.
The Mavericks continue to navigate trade and salary cap complexities that may limit their ability to attract high-profile veterans like Durant. As the NBA offseason unfolds, fans and insiders alike will watch closely to see how these moves influence the league’s competitive landscape.