Kyrie Irving is a goner from the Cleveland Cavaliers, or so it appears. The only questions left are where he'll go and what kind of package the Cavs can get in return? One potential trade partner is the Phoenix Suns, who have young talent littering the roster with the promise of little playing time or future returns. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the team may be willing to offer a package that could be hard for the Cavaliers to turn down.
Suns can offer the motherload
Windhorst reports that the Suns may be willing to part with a bounty to get Irving into the fold.
That includes star point guard Eric Blesdoe, recent first-round draft selection Josh Jackson, and an undisclosed pick. Bledsoe is already proven at the NBA level and has been involved in trade rumors for seemingly his entire career. Jackson seemed to work his way to Phoenix through some draft maneuvers, but he is all potential at this point of his young career.
It would be hard for the Cavaliers to pass up this package. They could have an instant replacement for Irving, one who could remain in Cleveland for a long time if he so chooses. Jackson has some people believing he's the best prospect to come out of the 2017 NBA Draft, although LeBron James would likely have a problem adding a player who could be a future replacement, not a current contributor.
Meanwhile, the pick could have some value if the Suns continue to struggle, as they have in recent years.
Other Irving trade rumors
The Suns package is an intriguing one, but it's also just one of many that are being batted around in trade rumors right now. One sees Andrew Wiggins reuniting with the Cavaliers and bringing Gorgui Dieng along for the ride from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Irving.
Wiggins is a great scorer, but the package wouldn't be that exciting for Cleveland's current or future prospects.
Another Irving deal could come courtesy of the Denver Nuggets. Rumors suggest they would be willing to offer up Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Wilson Chandler, and a draft pick. This would probably appeal a lot more to the Cavs.
They would get two young studs and the promise of the third, plus a win-now veteran who could contribute to one more run in the playoffs. The names in that deal may not be as sexy as the names the Suns may be willing to offer up, but new Cleveland general manager Koby Altman is sure to evaluate every possibility in the coming weeks and months.
