NBA rumors: NBA insider refutes latest rumors on Kyrie Irving free agency

After reporting about the Suns hosting Kyrie Irving on a free agent visit emerged, a Suns insider called the rumor “absurd.”

According to John Gambadoro, the Suns are not going to meet with Kyrie Irving for a serious free-agency meeting. This came after a previous report from Chris Haynes, who said that Kyrie Irving would take a free agent meeting with the Suns.

The initial report sent shockwaves throughout the NBA since Haynes is one of the more reliable reporters in the league and Phoenix is a team that has valued star talent over depth ever since the team has been owned by Mat Ishbia.

This was most likely a leverage play from Irving’s camp who could use it due to the fact that the Mavericks might not offer him a full max deal because of the controversy that he has accumulated over his time in the NBA. He is also a player who is over the age of 30 and has an extensive injury history.

What are the Suns’ next moves if not Kyrie Irving?

The Suns will be looking to get depth going forward. They have tried to trade Deandre Ayton and were unable to get a suitable offer for the young center. They may be able to get a deal done before everyone in the league heads off for their vacation after summer league but the odds do not look good.

This is a team that will be targeting players like Keita Bates-Diop and Yuta Watanabe this offseason. Phoenix will most likely have to fill out the rest of their team with minimum contracts.

Signing Irving via a sign-and-trade would not help with that at all. Yes, currently Ayton does not have a lot of trade value but even if a deal were to happen they would be fully stuck with that roster.

The Deandre Ayton trade storyline will carry into next season with the Suns looking to most likely get depth for the young center.