Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant explored the possibility of joining forces on the Phoenix Suns before their departures from the Brooklyn Nets, according to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Robinson reported that in December 2022, the two stars discussed potential landing spots, with Phoenix emerging as their top choice.
Brooklyn and Phoenix reportedly engaged in trade talks involving Durant and Irving in exchange for Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.
However, Suns general manager James Jones was not interested in acquiring Irving, while Nets general manager Sean Marks was unwilling to take on Ayton.
As discussions intensified, the negotiations escalated from the front offices to team owners Mat Ishbia and Joe Tsai.
Despite the talks, the proposed deal never materialized, leading to Durant’s trade to Phoenix and Irving’s move to the Dallas Mavericks.
Durant eventually joined the Suns at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and draft picks.
Irving was traded to Dallas days earlier, with the Mavericks sending Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and future draft assets to Brooklyn.
The revelation adds another layer to the story of their split, as the two stars were initially open to remaining teammates elsewhere.
Irving and Durant’s tenure in Brooklyn lasted three-and-a-half seasons but was marred by injuries, off-court drama, and playoff shortcomings.
Their breakup reshaped the league, with Durant joining forces with Devin Booker and later Bradley Beal, while Irving partnered with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Since the trade, Durant has helped the Suns remain a contender in the Western Conference, though injuries have hampered the team’s progress.
Irving’s presence in Dallas has created one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league alongside Doncic.
Robinson also noted that Irving and Anthony Davis had previously discussed playing together in Boston before Irving left for Brooklyn.
The two have now reunited as Mavericks teammates after Dallas acquired Davis in the midseason blockbuster that sent Doncic to the Lakers.
