After deciding to part ways with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant considered several NBA teams as potential new homes, with the Houston Rockets being his primary choice. Reports also indicated Durant had the San Antonio Spurs among his favored destinations during trade talks. Brandin “Scoop B” Robinson recently revealed on Thursday that Durant even considered joining the Dallas Mavericks to create a formidable lineup alongside Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and his former teammate Kyrie Irving.
Despite this possibility, Durant’s interest in the Mavericks waned after Irving suffered an ACL injury, which sidelined him indefinitely. The injury complicated Dallas’s roster strategy, making Durant reconsider his options amid the changing circumstances.
Why Houston Was the Best Fit for Durant
While the Mavericks explored trade scenarios involving the Suns, Durant prioritized his preferences and ultimately secured a move to Houston. The Rockets offered Durant an ideal situation where he could take on a clear leading role as the team’s primary option. Although Dallas presented a promising opportunity, it would have required significant roster changes and constrained their salary cap flexibility, especially with Irving expected to miss a considerable portion of the season. The Mavericks instead preserved cap space to sign D’Angelo Russell, who can competently fill the point guard role until Irving recovers.
Kyrie Irving Reflects on Partnership with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn
On Friday, Kyrie Irving addressed his time with Durant and James Harden during their Brooklyn Nets superteam run, speaking openly on his Twitch stream about the challenges they faced. While acknowledging the team’s struggles and the eventual departures of key personnel, Irving praised Durant’s exceptional talent. He highlighted the unique chemistry they shared on the court, describing it as unmatched.
“The 7/11 duo of me and KD will never be topped in terms of being on the court with somebody that special,” Irving said. “So, let me get that disclaimer right, alright. I played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD, was OD, alright. He’s one of the best of all-time.”
—Kyrie Irving, NBA Player
Despite their efforts to contend for a championship with the Nets, injuries and instability kept the team from advancing beyond the conference semifinals. The following season, lasting momentum eluded them as Irving was traded to Dallas and Durant moved to Phoenix within a week, signaling the end of their partnership in Brooklyn.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Kyrie Irving wear a mask?
A. On December 14, 2012, before playing with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving fractured his jaw in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The next day, the 20-year-old wore a mask during an away game versus the New York Knicks.
Q. Did Kyrie Irving have surgery?
A. Kyrie Irving from the Dallas Mavericks had surgery to fix a torn ACL in his left knee. The operation took place on Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Riley J. conducted the successful procedure, according to the team’s announcement.