Report: Kevin Durant did not join Dallas Mavericks for a surprising reason

After finishing a solid season with the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant‘s future became one of the biggest unknowns in the NBA market. Although many reports pointed to the San Antonio Spurs as his preferred destination, the veteran ended up joining the Houston Rockets, where he would be crowned the leader of the project. However, one report claims that he was very close to joining the Dallas Mavericks, but one situation changed everything.

According to NBA insider Scoop B, Kevin Durant had initially marked the Dallas Mavericks as one of his top choices for a new team. His interest centered around the prospect of teaming up with Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving to create a formidable “big four.” However, Durant reportedly ultimately opted against the move, citing concerns over Irving’s ACL injury as a key factor in his decision.

His potential arrival in Dallas would have been impressive in every sense, but some fans worry about the financial constraints it might have caused. With his massive $54.7 million contract, as reported by spotrac, the team would have faced a significantly tighter salary cap. This financial burden could have made it impossible to also sign D’Angelo Russell, who holds a two-year deal valued at $11.65 million.

The offensive duo Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant could have been dominant, echoing their Nets run

Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Houston Rockets over the Dallas Mavericks marks a pivotal shift in the NBA. At the Mavericks, Durant could have reignited his powerful offensive partnership with Kyrie Irving, reminiscent of their Nets days. During their time together in Brooklyn, Durant averaged 28.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while Irving contributed 26.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over 74 games.

Kyrie Irving #11 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets talk during a break in the action during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers.

However, Irving’s injury is expected to sideline him until mid-January 2026, would limit their time on the court in Dallas. Durant’s arrival via a trade would likely mean a one-year contract, minimizing their reunion. In contrast, his move to the Rockets positions him as the leader of a compelling new project. Maintaining last season’s performance, he could propel Houston into the ranks of top contenders.

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Kyrie Irving delivers high praise to Kevin Durant: ‘He’s one of the best of all-time’

During a recent Twitch stream, Kyrie Irving reflected on his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. Although he and Kevin Durant could not clinch a championship together, Irving, now a pivotal player for the Dallas Mavericks, expressed generous praise for Durant, who recently joined the Houston Rockets.

“The 7/11 duo of me and KD will never be topped in terms of being on the court with somebody that special…So, let me get that disclaimer right, alright. I played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD, was OD, alright. He’s one of the best of all-time,” he said, via Twitch.