10 Way-too-early 2024 trade deadline candidates 76ers should monitor
By Tyler Watts
3. Kyrie Irving
Irving signed a three-year $120 million extension with the Mavericks this summer, but it is difficult to predict his future. Kyrie has requested three trades in his career, and the Mavericks crashed out of the playoffs after acquiring the eight-time All-Star at last season’s trade deadline. The Western Conference is loaded, and Irving could be looking for an exit if Dallas does not improve significantly.
Kyrie comes with baggage. He hasn’t played 70 games in a season since 2017, and there is no guarantee that he will be happy. Irving is one of the most talented players in the world, but the Sixers would need him to mesh with Joel Embiid and be locked in on defense.
Kyrie Irving averaged 27.1 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 37.4 minutes per game last season. New 76ers head coach Nick Nurse prefers to play his stars heavy minutes, and the eight-time All-Star is ready to handle that load. Kyrie is still in his prime and could be an upgrade for Philly over James Harden.
Will Irving’s situation in Dallas deteriorate enough to request a trade before the deadline? The Mavericks upgraded their roster this summer and are eager to get back to the playoffs. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the world, so banking on Kyrie asking out could be a fruitless pursuit for Daryl Morey and the Sixers.