Leading up to the 2022-23 NBA trade deadline, there was a level of uncertainty surrounding several big-named basketball stars, as there always is. Then-Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving found himself at the center of many of these rumors.
Eventually, the eight-time All-Star found his way to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a 2029 first-round pick. But according to one NBA insider, another championship contender made a last-minute effort to acquire the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year.
FanDuel’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that the Heat made an offer for Irving “right before” he got traded to Dallas at the trade deadline. Speaking after their NBA Finals loss, Charania now wonders if the Heat could pivot back to the 31-year-old superstar.
Irving is set for unrestricted free agency and is likely looking at a maximum contract this offseason. Other teams said to be interested in the Uncle Drew star include the Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, among others.
But with Irving becoming one of the best players available this summer, he’ll likely have several options to pick from. Whether the Heat re-emerge remains to be seen, but it’s not hard to imagine Pat Riley and Co. becoming more aggressive as they seek a path to not only return to the NBA Finals but finally win another Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The issue could be whether the Mavericks are willing to work with the Heat on a sign-and-trade, which, previous reports indicated Dallas had no interest in helping the free agent facilitate a deal elsewhere, even if it means recuperating some assets they otherwise would not have. Since Miami doesn’t have the cap space to sign Irving outright, it appears a trade may be their only option this summer.
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