Once the dust settles from the 2023 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-draymond-green-in-case-of-warriors-exit-2-20230621-SPD-3749.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Draft</a>, free agency will become the front and center of the summer. <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-best-free-agents-that-could-be-available-in-2023-20230618-SPD-3728.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a>, an NBA All-Star guard, is expected to become a free agent this summer. 



He hopes to sign another long-term, expensive contract after being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets in February. A maximum deal may be what Irving is after, but after years of contentious comments and choices on and off the court, the market for the erratic player isn’t exactly strong. 



Even so, Irving remains one of the NBA’s most gifted offensive players, and as we saw with Dallas’ trade for him in February, there will always be a club ready to take a chance on him. In anticipation of Irving’s impending free agency on June 30th, here are three potential destinations for him to take up residence in, as per CBS Sports.



<h2>3. Houston Rockets</h2>



It would be surprising to see Irving sign with the Rockets if they failed to get James Harden, but it has been claimed that he will speak with numerous clubs when free agency begins. It’s possible that Irving and his team are using this as leverage to attempt to convince the Mavericks to increase their offer.



It may not go down well in Dallas, however, since there aren’t many clubs that would be willing to pay what he’s asking. If winning is the most crucial factor for Irving, then Dallas is the clear winner between the two Texas clubs with Doncic currently on the roster.



<h2>2. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



Even though the Lakers haven’t been linked to another Irving in recent reports (rather the contrary has been reported), it doesn’t mean they won’t do it again. The Lakers would have to do some serious financial juggling to get Irving to Los Angeles, but it’s doable if both teams are committed to working together. Even more so if Irving forwent a max deal in favor of a wage reduction.



<h2>1. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



Re-signing Irving is expected to be Dallas’ top priority this summer. The Mavericks acquired him in a blockbuster trade at the February trade deadline that cost them Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected first-round selection in 2029, and two second-round choices.



The recorded problems in Boston and Brooklyn show that Dallas should negotiate a little before signing Irving, but granting him a max contract carries a high degree of risk. Even though Irving has a lot of issues that might restrict his time with the Mavericks last season, he is undeniably a dynamic offensive threat in the few games he played in.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Kyrie Irving

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Kyrie Irving - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

There’s a chance that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-draymond-green-in-case-of-warriors-exit-20230514-SPD-3637.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> may come to regret the massive deal they awarded <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-james-harden-in-case-of-76ers-exit-20230518-SPD-3642.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan Poole</a>. They paid him quickly after the NBA Finals, and it doesn’t seem like they’re really pleased with him at the moment.



In addition to his fight with Draymond Green, before the season started, Poole’s body language and theatrics during the playoffs were a huge discussion topic. It’s possible the veterans don’t like him all that much.



Perhaps Poole would be better off playing for another club, especially given his desire for a larger role under Steve Kerr. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pinus suggests the D-Backs could be “motivated” to trade him, so we’ll consider three possible destinations for him.



<h2>3. Washington Wizards</h2>



The general manager of the Golden State Warriors, Bob Myers, reportedly has interest from the Washington Wizards. It would be quite simple for Poole to get to the nation’s capital.



The Warriors could use some more depth and talent like Kyle Kuzma, and they could sign Kuzma to an extension to match the Lakers’ money. The Wizards would have a reliable scoring option to complement Bradley Beal, who is prone to injuries.



<h2>2. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



The Dallas Mavericks took a huge chance on Kyrie Irving’s rental services. Not a good result, but with the whole summer ahead of them, they have a chance to try again by bolstering their defensive options.



Poole’s off-ball skills would flourish next to Luka Doncic, while their defense would grow even worse.



<h2>1. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



Due to their outstanding draft selection obligations to the Houston Rockets from the James Harden deal, the Brooklyn Nets have little motivation to tank the next season. As a result, they could try to improve and recruit more young players.



Poole would be a good match for them and would go in as their leading scorer straight immediately. In exchange for Cam Johnson and maybe a lottery pick, the Warriors could employ Mikal Bridges, who can make up for his horrible defense.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jordan Poole in case of Warriors exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jordan Poole in case of Warriors exit

The NBA is full of unexpected twists and turns. Even <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-giannis-antetokounmpo-in-case-of-bucks-exit-20230510-SPD-3629.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draymond Green</a>, who has alluded to leaving the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-greatest-2023-nba-mvp-award-snubs-20230503-SPD-3616.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> in the past, may be traded at any time.



Since Green assumed the starting PF role for the Warriors, he has been an integral component of the team’s historic run of success. Some others believe he’s overstayed his welcome since he’s been at the center of so many controversies.



Whatever the case may be, and despite his lack of scoring prowess, Green should get a great deal of interest from teams throughout the league. In light of this, here are three potential suitors for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.



<h2>3. Portland Trail Blazers</h2>



The Portland Trail Blazers have a choice to make: whether to blow up the current squad and start over by trading star point guard Damian Lillard or to give the current group one more shot. If the latter is the case, then acquiring Draymond is an obvious move.



Despite rumors to the contrary, Green did not join the Portland Trail Blazers. Therefore, it appears like a good time for both parties to try to move on from one another.



<h2>2. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



That Draymond Green, forward for the Golden State Warriors, is a huge admirer of LeBron James is common knowledge at this time. After years of supporting one other in the media, Green and James have turned their formerly heated on-court competition into a solid relationship.



In the same way that Rich Paul and Klutch Sports represent LeBron and Anthony Davis, they also represent Green. Both LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers are notorious talent magnets. The opportunity to realize his ambitions should not be wasted.



<h2>1. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



The Dallas Mavericks will never be able to break through until they improve their defense and tenacity. Draymond Green satisfies all requirements and would be a tremendous asset to the Warriors’ playoff hopes.



Without another ball-handler—one of Green’s strengths—Luka Doncic cannot single-handedly lead this club far into the playoffs, regardless of whether Kyrie Irving is on the squad or not. With Jason Kidd at the helm, he might contribute to a winning culture.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Draymond Green in case of Warriors exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Draymond Green in case of Warriors exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

The end of the road for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-greatest-2023-nba-mvp-award-snubs-20230503-SPD-3616.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dillon Brooks</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-head-coach-successors-to-mike-budenholzer-at-bucks-20230506-SPD-3619.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memphis Grizzlies</a> was rocky. The Los Angeles Lakers promptly sent them packing after hearing what he said about LeBron James. The series took only five games.



The Grizzlies have assured Brooks that they have no plans to re-sign him. They obviously didn’t like his attitude, and there’s speculation that he may have been able to negotiate his way out of the league. On the other hand, it’s not as if Brooks has zero ability. He is a man of many words but not usually many deeds. 



But if he’s ready to accept a smaller contract and keep his head down and just do his job, there are a few clubs who could use a wing like him. Let’s take a look at the NBA positions where he has the highest Let’s take a look at which NBA team might be the greatest match for the 27-year-old.



<h2>3. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



When trading for Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks gave up a lot of defensive depth. Obviously, the experiment did not go as planned, but there is still hope if they play their cards well.



Next year, Brooks probably won’t ask for a huge salary increase, so he might sign a ‘prove-it’ kind of contract with them. It’s important to have strong guys like Brooks on the court with Luka Doncic, and he’s not afraid to risk injury for the team.



<h2>2. Chicago Bulls</h2>



Chicago toughened up their roster by adding Patrick Beverley and Alex Caruso. Dillon Brooks is a perfect match for a squad that wants to improve its defense.



The Bulls have a history of spending too much for players who don’t deliver, and the current Arturas Karnisovas administration doesn’t appear to know what they’re doing. It would make sense for them to recruit a player of Brooks’ caliber.



<h2>1. Cleveland Cavaliers</h2>



The Cavaliers did well throughout the regular season, but they fizzled out when it mattered most. They needed a wing player who could contribute immediately off the bench, both defensively and by making threes.



The Cavaliers’ future is bright, therefore it makes sense for Brooks to join the team at this moment. Given that they already have J.B. Bickerstaff on staff, taking a gamble on a person like him is within their means.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dillon Brooks

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dillon Brooks - thesportsdrops NEWS

Despite their best efforts, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-contenders-for-2022-23-nba-coach-of-the-year-20230409-SPD-3565.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a> were unable to put the Boston Celtics in a bind. They’ve often struggled when facing the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-finest-current-players-who-have-never-won-defensive-player-of-the-year-20230424-SPD-3597.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>‘s best teams, and this season was no different.



Their problems throughout the regular season probably weren’t without reason. Their campaign had full of ups and downs, and as a result, they were never able to secure a top seed.



Some experts have placed the blame on Trae Young for the team’s recent struggles, so with reports indicating the organization is willing to part ways with their rising star, it’s time to examine the three teams that could be interested in acquiring him.



<h2>3. Chicago Bulls</h2>



Despite Arturas Karnisovas’ best efforts, the Chicago Bulls are now out of the playoff picture. It seems that the present roster is defective, and Lonzo Ball may never play basketball again.



They could probably trade Zach LaVine for another furious star as he seems dissatisfied with Billy Donovan. The Hawks would let Dejounte Murray play point guard all the time if the Bulls included some more pieces in the trade.



<h2>2. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



An everlasting bond exists between Luka Doncic and Trae Young. It is only natural that the players involved in one of the finest deals in recent NBA history would join forces as members of the Dallas Mavericks and attempt to dominate the NBA for years to come.



While this wouldn’t be a huge defensive upgrade from Kyrie Irving, it would give them two foundational pieces to work with for the next decade. To make this possible, they’d have to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Kyrie and acquire a forward with a focus on defense.



<h2>1. Miami Heat</h2>



The Miami Heat’s search for a new superstar has gone on for far too long, especially considering the team’s recent first-round victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.



For a long time, this group’s point guards have been its weakest link. They could acquire him for Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson, a first-round selection in 2027, and a first-round selection in 2029.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-made-the-playoffs-last-year-they-didnt-patrick-beverley-pokes-fun-at-new-teammates-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis-2706-20220907-SPD-2706.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maxi Kleber</a> has been rewarded for his contributions to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-russell-westbrook-willing-to-make-big-commitment-for-the-lakers-2693-20220906-SPD-2693.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>‘ journey to the Western Conference Finals with a new contract extension for the upcoming 2021-22 season. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the two parties are negotiating the final terms of a three-year, $33 million deal extension.



He adds that the contract will be completely guaranteed and keep the forward in the NBA through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Kleber will ink a four-year, $34 million agreement with Dallas in the 2019 free agency period, the last year of which will pay him $9 million. 



His new deal with the club extends his stay in Los Angeles through the 2025/26 season and raises his average yearly compensation to $11 million. The 30-year-old has been with the Mavericks for five years and is now a crucial component of the team’s rotation. 



<h2>Maxi Kleber to stay in Dallas until 2026</h2>



After trading Kristaps Porzingis, they wanted him to cover Kawhi Leonard in the Playoffs, and he obliged by letting them run a 5-out offense. There aren’t many credible centers who earn $11 million per season, but every team needs versatile defenders who can stretch the floor. 



Kleber is the kind of bench player who can change the course of a playoff series; in April, he exploded for 30 points and helped the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of the first round.

New three-year deal detween Maxi Kleber and Mavericks nearing completion

New three-year deal detween Maxi Kleber and Mavericks nearing completion - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-jalen-brunson-agrees-four-year-104-million-deal-with-knicks-1947-20220702-SPD-1947.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> have known for some time they have a gem in their hands in Luka Doncic. Last season, the Slovenian star put all the doubts to rest and confirm how far he can take this team.



The Mavs may have not won the title, but their trip to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-wins-first-finals-mvp-award-in-career-1586-20220617-SPD-1586.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Finals</a> was remarkable regardless. Therefore, it will be hard to ask fans to lower their expectations when they have such a talent on their side.



Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd understands those championship aspirations, but he made something clear to all fans: Doncic may have what it takes to lead the team to a title one day, but they’ll probably have to wait for it.



<h2>Jason Kidd says a championship team cannot be built overnight</h2>



“Luka is the start and finish for us,” Kidd said, via Mavs insider Landon Thomas. “He did a great job for us all season and the big thing is for us to build on that. I know expectations are going to be high with Luka but again, we want to build a championship team and it just doesn’t happen overnight.”



Kidd knows a thing or two about this matter, so it would be wise to listen him. Luka can do incredible things, but he still needs help to take this team to the promised land. Building around him will probably take a bit longer.

Jason Kidd asks fans to be patient for Luka Doncic, Mavs to win a championship - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jason Kidd asks fans to be patient for Luka Doncic, Mavs to win a championship

J<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alen Brunson</a> was one of the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-rockets-trade-christian-wood-to-mavericks-in-exchange-for-26th-pick-and-four-players-1634-20220619-SPD-1634.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-rockets-trade-christian-wood-to-mavericks-in-exchange-for-26th-pick-and-four-players-1634-20220619-SPD-1634.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>‘ best players this season, but the team was unable to agree on a contract extension. Averaging 21.6 points per game, Brunson was a pleasant surprise in the NBA postseason. 



Moreover, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Knicks</a> are reportedly in the process of offering the point guard a four-year, $100 million contract. After moving for Kemba Walker, the Knicks now have a salary cap room to pursue Brunson.



Upon Jalen Brunson’s impending free agency next week, the New York franchise are reportedly planning to present him with the aforementioned contract, according to New York Times’ Marc Stein. 



<h2>Where next for Brunson?</h2>



He also disclosed that Dallas squandered two chances to keep Brunson on board by not extending his contract. The Mavericks thought they might get his services on a four-year, 88 million dollar contract at the conclusion of the season.



Brunson has the option of signing a new one-year contract extension with the Mavericks, but the Knicks might give him a more prominent position on the club. When it comes to the New York Knicks coaching staff and front office, his father Rick Brunson is a member, while his old agent Leon Rose is head of the front office.

NBA Rumors: Four-year, $100 million deal in works for Jalen Brunson with Knicks - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Four-year, $100 million deal in works for Jalen Brunson with Knicks

An ESPN report says center and power forward <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-to-go-after-trio-duncan-robinson-malik-beasley-and-christian-wood-927-20220520-SPD-927.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian Wood</a> has been acquired by <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>. In return, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/jimmy-butler-says-celtics-wont-embarrass-heat-again-942-20220520-SPD-942.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> will get the 26th overall selection in the 2022 NBA draft and four players whose contracts have expired.



Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, and Sterling Brown will be traded to Houston. It is all in order to free up space on the roster and bring in an effective big man, according to individuals familiar with the situation.



It was reported that the Rockets wanted to sell Wood to make room for Alperen Sengun, the 2021 first-round selection, and maybe the No. 3 overall pick. By taking advantage of the first-round draft pick trade, the Rockets avoided any future pay commitments.



<h2>Christian Wood moves to Mavericks</h2>



It’s hard to imagine a better player for the Rockets than Wood, who has been with the team since 2020 and has put up impressive numbers in his first season. His three-year, $41 million contract expires at the end of the season, and he will be available for a new contract six months after the trade is completed.



With James Harden and Russell Westbrook expected to lead the Rockets in scoring in the 2020-21 season, the team hired Wood as a supplement. The duo were both traded before the season began, which left the Rockets in need of a rebuilding effort.

NBA News: Rockets trade Christian Wood to Mavericks in exchange for 26th pick and four players - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Rockets trade Christian Wood to Mavericks in exchange for 26th pick and four players

Wednesday night was Game 1 of the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-playoffs-format-how-does-the-nba-postseason-work-126-20220502-SPD-126.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western Conference Final</a> between the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-referees-salary-how-much-do-they-earn-per-game-and-year-131-20220502-SPD-131.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> and Dallas Mavericks.



It’s no secret that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson pose a danger to the Dallas Mavericks, but <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-best-point-guards-of-all-time-in-nba-107-20220502-SPD-107.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Doncic</a> believes that <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-best-power-forwards-of-all-time-in-nba-259-20220503-SPD-259.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draymond Green</a> also poses a concern. In order to shut down Doncic and the Mavs, the Warriors will rely on the 32-year-old power forward.



The influence of Green on the defense of the Warriors is just as great or even greater than that of his colleagues, despite the fact that he does not score as many points as they do.



<h2>Doncic shares real feelings about Green</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I have so much respect for Draymond, man… Obviously Klay and Steph are incredible offensive guys, but I think the key to the Warriors team is Draymond. He is just so unbelievable, and I really respect everything he does.”“[Draymond] impacts the game in every other way, I really have a lot of respect for this guy.” When reminded that the initial question was about trash talk, Luka laughed and said, “You never hear me trash talking in the media. But obviously we’re gonna have some words, that’s the fun about the game. I love that part.”<cite>Doncic told Tim MacMahon of ESPN</cite></blockquote>

Dallas Mavericks