Kyrie Irving rumors explodes as $244M star reportedly pushing for Western Conference powerhouse pursuit

Kyrie Irving rumors explodes as $244M star reportedly pushing for Western Conference powerhouse pursuit originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Kyrie Irving did not play a single minute of the 2025-26 NBA season after he suffered a torn left ACL in 2025.

While there was brief hope he might return late in the year, the Dallas Mavericks and his agent officially announced in February that he would be shut down for the entire season. The goal was to ensure Irving is fully able to avoid any risk of a re-tear, aiming for a full return for next season. Meanwhile, rumors continue to heat up about his potential trade to other programs.

Former NFL star Chad Ochocinco Johnson said this week that people are telling him the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to pair Irving with Anthony Edwards. Following their playoff exit against the San Antonio Spurs , it is clear the Wolves need an elite player to take pressure off Edwards, who signed a 5-year, $244,623,120 deal with the team in 2023. As the Wolves clearly need a secondary scorer alongside Edwards, Irving could potentially fill that role.

Irving was a strong co-star for Luka Doncic during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, as the duo led the team to the NBA Finals after a decade-long drought. They fell short of winning the championship, but the partnership was highly effective, and Edwards is aware of that impact. According to basketball insider Brandon Robinson , Edwards is even “privately” pushing for the Wolves to pursue a healthy Irving.