Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving Almost Reunited On Mavericks Before Devastating Injury

NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson reported that the Phoenix Suns received multiple trade calls for Kevin Durant at the deadline, including from the Dallas Mavericks. While talks didn't result in a deal, Robinson stated that the trade could have progressed significantly further if Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving had not suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his knee. Robinson explicitly stated Irving's injury was "the Achilles heel" preventing Durant from joining Dallas.

Durant and Irving have a history as teammates, having played together for the Brooklyn Nets starting in the 2019-20 season. They formed a potent offensive duo and led the Nets to prominence in the Eastern Conference, also developing a close personal bond. However, their time together was largely unsuccessful in terms of playoff results, winning only one series before parting ways in February 2023.

According to Robinson's report, Durant and Irving nearly reunited this summer in Dallas. The potential acquisition of Durant, combined with Irving and Anthony Davis, would have positioned the Mavericks as favorites in the Western Conference and justified their previous trade for Luka Doncic. This scenario was described as a "dream" for the Mavericks.

Irving's ACL injury ultimately ended this possibility. The injury not only derailed the Mavericks' season but also eliminated the opportunity to build a potential superteam featuring Durant, Irving, and Davis. Durant now finds himself with the Houston Rockets, where he must attempt to achieve success without Irving, relying instead on a young core led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.