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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Footprint Center on December 27, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers have been linked to a bold trade idea that would land them both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Both superstars played together on the Brooklyn Nets, but the experimented failed badly when Irving missed most of a season due to refusing to get vaccinated during the time of pandemic rules. Durant and Irving have expressed having a positive relationship these days, despite their previous tenure ending in controversial fashion.

Fadeaway Media proposed a trade that would land both players on the Clippers:

“Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bennedict Mathurin, 2026 first-round pick from Clippers (via Pacers)

Houston Rockets Receive: Darius Garland, 2031 first-round pick from Clippers, 2028 second-round pick from Mavericks

This deal sends Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to the Clippers, where they would join Kawhi Leonard for one final win-now push. The Clippers would turn their retool into a full all-in move and build around three elite shot-creators.”

The bold trade would see the Clippers risking Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and two more draft picks at a time when they already lack future assets. However, the logic would see the two stars teaming with Kawhi Leonard to give the Clippers one real final chase at a title before rebuilding.

Examining The Kevin Durant Trade Package

The Houston Rockets are reportedly planning to listen to trade offers for Durant and just about every other name on the roster if they get eliminated in the first round as expected. Durant has failed to develop chemistry with teammates Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to make them a contender.

Houston’s biggest asset back would be Garland to give them a point guard since that was their most glaring weakness this season. One problem here is that the Rockets will get back trusted veteran point guard Fred VanVleet after missing all season due to injury.

A Clippers future draft pick is valuable since they lack future assets and could be in a terrible position by 2031. However, the Rockets don’t get better next season with just Garland replacing Durant to make that side of the trade more difficult.

Examining The Kyrie Irving Trade Package

Irving has not been confirmed as a name that will hit the trade block this summer after missing a full season due to injury. The trade value of Irving would be higher if the Dallas Mavericks opted to let him play next season and move him at the trade deadline instead.

Cooper Flagg has a good relationship with Kyrie, but the older point guard may not be in the same timeline as the franchise now rebuilding around a teenager. Mathurin and a draft pick could tempt the Mavericks to invest in a young guard and the valuable draft pick.

The Clippers would also be taking a huge risk by investing in an aging guard coming off a terrifying injury and an all-time great with a reputation for poor leadership. This offseason will see the franchise having to either trade Leonard or adding more talent around him to contend.