Kevin Durant May Have Been Traded To Dallas Mavericks If Kyrie Irving Hadn’t Torn ACL

NBA insider Brandon Robinson reports that Kevin Durant might have been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Dallas Mavericks if Kyrie Irving hadn't suffered a torn left ACL in March. Durant and Irving, who are close friends and former Brooklyn Nets teammates, were potentially linked to Dallas.

Robinson stated that based on league discussions and his reporting around February and March, Irving's injury was the critical factor preventing Durant's move to the Mavericks, calling it "the Achilles heel" of the potential deal.

Durant has existing connections to the Mavericks roster, having played with Irving on the Nets, with Klay Thompson on the Golden State Warriors, and with Anthony Davis on Team USA.

Ultimately, the Suns traded Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and six draft picks. Durant has one year remaining on his contract, worth $54.7 million next season.

The Mavericks have moved forward, adding six new players including top draft pick Cooper Flagg, alongside D'Angelo Russell, Ryan Nembhard, Miles Kelly, Matthew Cleveland, and Moussa Cisse. They are building around Irving, Davis, Thompson, and Flagg.

Meanwhile, Durant is reportedly "incredibly excited" about joining the Rockets, described by sources as a contender with a talented coaching staff and a top-five defensive unit.