Ex-NBA veteran explains why a Kyrie Irving-Kevin Durant reunion makes perfect sense for Houston Rockets

Former NBA coach Sam Mitchell believes the Houston Rockets could become the team to beat in the Western Conference if they manage to bring Kyrie Irving together with Kevin Durant again.

Mitchell, a former NBA Coach of the Year who spent 34 years in the league as a player and coach, has urged Houston to consider a move for Irving after the guard’s impressive return to the Dallas Mavericks.

Irving has helped Dallas navigate a transitional period around young star Cooper Flagg, with the Mavericks starting 4-2 under new head coach Dusty May.

Sam Mitchell believes Kyrie Irving could make Houston Rockets the best team in the West

Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mitchell praised Irving’s impact on the Mavericks and suggested the 34-year-old was playing better than before his injury.

“Kyrie is making everybody on that team better,” Mitchell said.

“Everybody thought this was gonna be a down year for Dallas with a young coach straight from college, with all these young players transitioning into building this team around Cooper. But nobody knew what Kyrie was gonna look like. Man, Kyrie looks better than he did before he got hurt.”

Mitchell then explained why he believes Houston should explore a trade, arguing that Irving’s addition could transform the Rockets’ championship prospects.

“You might could get two first-round picks for Kyrie. And that’s a lot for a 34-year-old injured point guard who missed all of last year with an injury. And I’m telling you right now, the Houston Rockets. You put him on the Houston Rockets, with the injuries and the rest of the West, it might be over. And they’ll clearly be the best team.”

A reunion with Durant would bring two former Brooklyn Nets teammates back together, while Alperen Sengun would give Houston another offensive option.

Ex-NBA veteran explains why a Kyrie

Irving’s shot creation and late-game experience could also help ease the pressure on the Rockets’ younger players.

However, a deal would be complicated by Irving’s reported $39.4 million salary and Houston’s limited flexibility under the second apron. The Rockets could need to move significant contracts, potentially involving Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason.

Irving has also expressed happiness in Dallas, with the Mavericks pushing back against outside trade speculation.

Mitchell has made his preference clear, but there is no indication that either franchise is pursuing a deal. For now, the proposed reunion remains hypothetical.

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