Several squads have already contacted the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding a possible trade for Kyrie Irving, who wanted to be traded to become the focal point of a team’s offense and away from LeBron James’ shadow. In his meeting with the Cavaliers’ top brass, Irving listed four teams as preferred trade destinations, including the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN, the Knicks are willing to trade Carmelo Anthony and future first-round picks for Irving. Begley said the Knicks front office is willing to trade any of its players except for Kristaps Porzingis.
While they aren’t on Irving’s preferred list, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns also called up the Cavaliers about a possible trade.
According to Mike Ortiz Jr. of DYST, the Bucks are offering Jabari Parker while the Suns want to swap Eric Bledsoe for Irving. The Spurs, for their part, can offer LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green to the Cavaliers for Irving, who can take over Tony Parker’s job as starting playmaker for coach Gregg Popovich.
Anthony for Irving makes sense for both sides
Recently, the Knicks negotiated a trade with the Houston Rockets involving Anthony but talks were halted after New York hired Scott Perry as general manager. In addition, the Knicks didn’t like the offers being made by the Rockets and other teams interested in Anthony.
The Portland Trail Blazers recently joined the fray for Anthony but the 10-time All-Star said he will only waive his no-trade clause for the Houston Rockets or the Cavaliers.
Anthony expressed interest in playing with close friend Chris Paul with the Rockets but a trade to the Cavaliers will give him a chance to be on the same team with close friend James.
Earlier, Anthony, James, Paul and Dwyane Wade bared their plan of playing together at some point in their careers. The Cavaliers are already over the salary cap and Anthony’s $26.2 million salary is $7.3 million more than Irving’s $18.9 million. Because of this, the Cavaliers need to ship additional salary so as not to add to their already huge luxury tax.
Cavaliers disturbed over Irving’s request going public
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Cavaliers are disturbed that Irving’s request has gone public, adding that it could impact trade talks that will ensue. According to sources close to James, the superstar was blindsided by his teammate’s request but he will not meddle on how the Cavaliers will handle the trade.
