3. Kyrie Irving
Irving signed a three-year $120 million contract with the Mavericks this summer, so he cannot be traded until Dec. 15.
The eight-time All-Star is still at the top of his game, despite all the off-court drama that has followed him in recent years. Over the last four seasons combined, Irving has averaged 27.1 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 36.0 minutes per game on 49.1 percent shooting from the field, 39.5 percent on his threes, and 91.4 percent from the free throw line.
Kyrie checks every box on the superstar checklist, but will he be available? The Mavericks crashed out of the playoffs last season after acquiring the 6’2 guard at the deadline. Irving is no stranger to trade requests, especially if things are not going well with the team. If Dallas struggles early on, Kyrie could demand a trade before February’s deadline.
Morey would be eagerly awaiting with Tobias Harris and whatever draft capital he can muster. It won’t be a massive package, but will any team pay one after Irving has averaged just 40.8 games per year over the last four and asked to be traded by two different teams? The market has not been strong for Harden, and he has been much more active than Kyrie.
This might be Daryl Morey’s best chance at acquiring a superstar at a discount, but there is no guarantee that Kyrie Irving will hit the market after less than one year in Dallas.