Just less than a month ago, Kyrie Irving’s trade request sent the NBA into a frenzy, sprouting numerous rumors and speculations regarding where the disgruntled Cleveland Cavaliers guard would end up. The latest from the rumor mill suggests that the Cavs are targeting young stars in exchange for Irving while David Robinson wants the San Antonio Spurs to acquire Kyrie Irving.
San Antonio Spurs legend chimes in on Kyrie Irving
The San Antonio Spurs was reportedly one of Kyrie Irving’s preferred landing spots if and when he gets traded. While the Spurs have a line up that is deemed good enough to challenge any team in the NBA, a Spurs team with Kyrie Irving in tow would be downright scary-good.
David Robinson, the long time San Antonio Spurs legend, seems to think so too. Speaking with Siris XM NBA Radio, Robinson didn’t mince words in stating his desire for the Spurs to acquire the former All-Star MVP. “We’d be crazy not to want a talented guy (Irving) like that,“ said The Admiral.
Robinson suggests that a player like Irving playing in the Spurs system would only get better regarding efficiency. And who knows this better than David Robinson, the man who has been the face of the Spurs franchise on his way to winning two NBA rings?
Cavs targeting young stars from Knicks, Suns, Nuggets, and Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers want to get good value in return for Kyrie Irving. Of the rumored 20 offers they received during the first week of the Kyrie Irving Sweepstakes, it seems that the Cavs didn’t like any of the trade deals.
According to reports, the Cavs want a blue chip young player on a rookie contract, a veteran star, and a first-round draft pick in return for Kyrie Irving.
So far, they have no takers. Basketball pundits suggest that the best offer the Cavs had was from the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have the assets and allegedly offered Eric Bledsoe, Dragan Bender, and Miami Heat’s 2018 first-round draft pick.
The deal didn’t push through because the Cavs reportedly want Josh Jackson instead of Dragan Bender. And the Suns appear adamant in not parting ways with the young Jackson.
That being said, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still reportedly on the hunt for that young star, and Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks fits the bill.
While New York is seemingly in disarray these days especially with the Carmelo Anthony situation, the Knicks management has recently stated that Porzingis is off the table, so the chances of Cavs landing Porzingis are slim.
Now that both Josh Jackson and Kristaps Porzingis are seemingly untouchable, the Cleveland Cavaliers are turning their eyes on Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Both Tatum and Murray are talented young players who could become the foundation of the franchise if LeBron James were to bolt next season.
However, if James stays a Cavalier next season, Porzingis, Jackson, Tatum, or Murray could have an immediate impact for the Cavaliers. Until the Cavaliers pull any of these possible trade deals off, Kyrie Irving will stay as a Cavalier and will have to re-learn how to coexist, again, with the rest of the Cavs.
