A consistent problem with the Phoenix Suns’ roster since future Hall of Famer Chris Paul was dealt in the ill-fated Bradley Beal deal is the lack of a true starting point guard beside Devin Booker in the backcourt. Even if the rival Dallas Mavericks fully embrace their youth movement around Rookie of the Year winner Cooper Flagg, a trade for veteran point guard Kyrie Irving, which would help the Suns patch this issue, is now likely impossible for Phoenix to pull off.
Suns already canceled themselves out if Irving becomes available
“The question that's been asked around the league is: How long is this fit with Kyrie and the Mavericks?” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon asked this lingering question on a recent NBA Today showing. MacMahon noted that a potential move isn’t because Dallas has soured on Kyrie. On the contrary, he reports that the Mavs "love" Irving, but they’re now building around the youngster in Flagg and could ultimately deal Irving to a contender since he doesn’t fit the Duke product’s timeline.
If that speculation comes to fruition, the Suns would be an ideal landing spot in a vacuum. Phoenix needs a true point guard to slot in alongside Book to push him to his more natural shooting guard spot, and Irving brings veteran know-how and championship pedigree.
Unfortunately for the Suns, the offseason trade to acquire Miles Bridges likely wiped out all the trade assets Phoenix would need to get in the mix if (or perhaps when) Irving becomes available.
In addition to the trade-friendly contracts Phoenix shipped to Charlotte in Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, the front office again surrendered an unprotected first-round draft pick (this time in 2033). Now, the Suns’ draft capital includes a complicated mix of pick swaps, handing Phoenix the “least favorable” draft position, as well as a 2032 first rounder that’s frozen from being traded through 2027-28.
Even if the Mavericks were high on former No. 2 overall draft pick Jalen Green, the Suns would likely need more than a one-for-one swap to get any deal done.
The Bridges deal has been met with nothing but scrutiny since the deal went down. In addition to surrendering two veteran role players and an unprotected pick, Phoenix also opted to make the decision before the in-season trade market heated up.
Now, the potential in Phoenix is tied to Bridges and how he is (or isn't) able to elevate the team's collective ceiling. If the Suns regress this season and Irving does indeed become available via trade, it would represent a missed opportunity for a franchise still hoping to build a title contender around its face of the franchise, Devin Booker.
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