The NBA world was stunned by the news that star Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland and that he wishes to be traded to another contender team. The built-up rumors that Kyrie was displeased in the team and in playing alongside LeBron James were made true with the announcement. If Kyrie Irving was traded to the Knicks, it would be what he truly wants, and it would make them a much better team. Kyrie Irving would make the New York Knicks relevant again and he would follow behind his idol Kobe Bryant.
Kyrie to be traded to the Knicks?
There is a possibility that Irving could end up with the New York Knicks.
However, there are plenty of teams that would want the All-Star, the teams that he could sign with include the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Phoenix Suns.
The Knicks could be able to sign the stellar guard and it would work out well for both sides. The Knicks would get a new and much younger franchise player, while the Cavaliers would get Carmelo Anthony in the trade. Cleveland would be getting an amazing veteran shooter to help them compete with the Golden State Warriors, while the Knicks would be getting a young player who would be the main guy for the team.
The team is most likely unwilling to part ways with their young star Kristaps Porzingis, but they could trade away Carmelo Anthony and other assets to the Cavs.
They could trade away Courtney Lee, Frank Ntilikina, or even Lance Thomas.
It would be a blessing in disguise if the team was able to get rid of Joakim Noah's contract, since he has been very unproductive for the team and since he is taking up a huge amount of cap space.
A stellar season
It is no surprise that Irving would make the team better, wherever he is traded too.
Stats on ESPN show that 'Uncle Drew' averaged 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game throughout his NBA career. Last season, he played great averaging a career high 25 points per game, along with 6 assists, and shooting 40% from downtown.
The Cavs still have the power over where Irving could be traded too and if they just want to keep him.
Kyrie is stuck in a dilemma because he has three years left on his contract. Seeing as how things are going, it looks like 'Uncle Drew's' time in Cleveland is out or numbered.
Kyrie Irving already has a ring and many accolades to his resume, now he just wants to be the main guy or franchise player for a team. LeBron is nowhere at fault for what has happened because he is one of the best players in the league and distributes the ball. There is nothing to also complain about when he brings you to seven consecutive Finals appearances and chances to win a ring. But Irving does have some point in wanting to be the main guy somewhere else.
Other options
It would also be equally interesting to see the guard in a Spurs jersey, Heat jersey, or Timberwolves jersey.
All of these options are enticing. The Timberwolves made some of the best offseason moves this season with stealing Jimmy Butler and getting Jeff Teague. They were also able to sign great bench player Jamal Crawford to a deal. So this would be another great spot for Irving to be traded too.
Although, both the Heat and Timberwolves have other main stars on the team. Kyrie Irving would not be 'the man' on these teams. The same can go for the San Antonio Spurs, who are led by a phenomenal coach.
The team that would fit what he really wants would be the New York Knicks. It would also be best for him to stay in the Eastern Conference, where it is easier to reach the playoffs than in the West. He would get a lot of money playing for them and he would be the cornerstone for the team.
Kyrie would also get to play in a great city in the 'Big Apple.'
Depending on the Knicks other moves, they could become a much better team with Kyrie Irving on their team. It would be a stretch for them to make the playoffs, but I would not mind the lineup of Kyrie Irving, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
The guard could end up in other destinations, but the Knicks and Cavs can pull off a great trade that would satisfy both sides. And more importantly, Kyrie would get to go where he wants and be the new Carmelo Anthony for the team, but an even better and younger version of him.