NBA free agency is creeping up fast. Teams and players can begin negotiating on Friday at 6 p.m., and one of the best available players is going to be Kyrie Irving.
Though the odds heavily favor a return to the Dallas Mavericks for Irving, the Los Angeles Lakers will presumably make a push to pair the eight-time All-Star with his former running mate LeBron James. And there’s always the chance another team woos the unpredictable guard.
Miami has the next best odds after the Lakers, and the Clippers are the only other team with odds shorter than 25-1 at DraftKings.
Odds for where Kyrie Irving plays next (via Draftkings)
- Dallas Mavericks (-500)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+550)
- Miami Heat (+1000)
- LA Clippers (+1200)
- Chicago Bulls/Minnesota Timberwolves/Phoenix Suns (+2500)
But of the favorites, which is the best fit for Irving? Let’s rank them.
7
Phoenix Suns
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Yes, the Suns need to replace Chris Paul. But they need another point guard in the same traditional mold to help organize what will already be an elite offense. The last thing they need is another scoring guard who doesn’t help defensively.
6
Dallas Mavericks
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Imagine that. The team that can pay Irving the most — and likely will — isn’t the best fit of the teams that might pursue him. Irving has to share ball-handling duties with Luka Doncic in Dallas, but Irving is at his best with the ball in his hands. Not to mention, the rest of the team just isn’t that good. We’ve seen this movie.
5
Chicago Bulls
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Irving raises the ceiling of a team led by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan a lot, filling a need at point guard for the Bulls and giving them some much needed outside shooting. But a better fit is a team with more shooting around Irving.
4
Los Angeles Clippers
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Swapping in Irving for Russell Westbrook would be an upgrade for the Clippers. So, on the court, it’s a fit. But with how unreliable their current two stars are, I’m not sure bringing in another unreliable player is the move.
3
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Minnesota could use Irving’s playmaking and scoring, and he’s the type of player who could maximize their twin towers front-court. Karl-Anthony Towns’ refusal to play in the paint alleviates potential concerns of clogged driving lanes too.
2
Miami Heat
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Miami was starting Gabe Vincent at point guard in the playoffs, so yeah, there’s a need here. Irving would give them another option outside of Jimmy Butler to snap those long scoring droughts, and Miami has the defense to compensate for Irving’s lack of size. The only question is whether the personalities fit.
1
Los Angeles Lakers
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It’s no wonder why James wants to play with Irving again. They were great together in Cleveland, and Irving is someone the 38-year-old James knows he can trust as he continues to take a step back in his responsibilities. Irving would work well with Anthony Davis too.
