NBA Rumors: Suns Hoped to Trade for Both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at Deadline

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving almost remained teammates away from the Brooklyn Nets after this season's trade deadline.

While the Nets traded Durant to the Phoenix Suns and moved Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported the Suns were "hoping to somehow land both."

The idea that Irving might've joined the Suns is not a new one. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Phoenix offered Chris Paul as part of a trade package to the Nets before Brooklyn accepted Dallas' offer.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst (h/t RealGM) also said last week that Irving could sign with the Suns as a free agent: "If you think this is over, it ain't over. Kyrie really was interested in being in Phoenix, so just start thinking about that."

While Paul is the point guard for the Suns and a future Hall of Famer as one of the best players of his generation, he is 37 years old and on the back end of his career. Irving, in contrast, is 30 years old and could extend Phoenix's window to compete for a championship with Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

The Suns could look elsewhere at point guard even if they don't land Irving. Fischer reported some around the league think they could pursue Fred VanVleet as a free-agent addition after the 2022-23 campaign.

Much of this discussion will likely be shaped by how the season unfolds.

Perhaps Paul will tap into the production of his youth with less responsibility on his shoulders playing alongside Durant and help lead Phoenix to a championship. The front office might decide that adding Irving would be too big of a disruption in the chase for a second straight title.

Or maybe the Irving and Luka Dončić pairing clicks for the Mavericks, and the eight-time All-Star elects to stay in Dallas and chase titles alongside one of the best players in the league.

It's clear the Suns had their eye on Irving, though, even as they were pursuing Durant. If they get the opportunity to add him in the offseason, they may jump at the chance.