NBA Rumors: Unexpected Team Emerges As Potential Kyrie Irving Suitor

We've heard the Los Angeles Lakers linked to possibly pursuing Kyrie Irving, and there was even a wild rumor that Kevin Durant could look to reunite with him in Phoenix. Neither of those are considered likely at this point, but today, we're learning of another team that's keeping tabs on Irving's free agency.

The Rockets may consider Kyrie Irving if they fail to reacquire James Harden

(via @TheSteinLine) pic.twitter.com/0PltvnG4SZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2023

According to a report by NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Houston Rockets are looking at chasing after Kyrie if they fail to bring back James Harden this summer as has been rumored.

The Rockets are hoping to greatly accelerate their rebuild by abandoning the all-super-young approach, and bringing in some proven veteran star players to help new head coach Ime Udoka build a winner in quicker fashion.

One of those super-young Rockets who would gladly welcome Kyrie with open arms if that were to come to pass, is Jalen Green. 

A report came out today that the #Rockets might be interested in Kyrie Irving.

Jalen Green has openly talked about wanting to get with Kyrie to learn from him.

Is this a good or bad fit for Houston?
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— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@Vator_H_Town) June 11, 2023

"I wanna learn from Kyrie if I can," said Green recently. "He's tapped in with me, I got his number, we text each other... That would be somebody I would wanna learn from."

Irving is three years younger than Harden, but comes with even more baggage off the court. And whether Kyrie would be interested in joining a rebuilding club rather than a playoff contender is very much in question. He might simply use the Rockets as leverage to get a better deal from Dallas. 

Less than three from the start of free agency, this will be an intriguing storyline to watch. 

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports