Kyrie Irving has become the biggest name in this NBA off-season after news surfaced last week that he asked Cleveland Cavaliers management for a trade. It was reported by ESPN's Chris Hayne that his shortlist of preferred destinations consists of the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks. Many assumed that Irving would prefer to go with the Spurs. However, the latest reports indicate that Irving might have different plans.
Irving wants the Knicks
According to ESPN's Pablo Torre (via Clevis Murray of Def Pen Hoops), Irving wants to play for the New York Knicks "very badly." ESPN's Brian Windhorst stated that Irving wants to be traded because he "wants to play in a situation where he can be more of a focal point" instead of playing in LeBron James' shadow.
The Knicks would certainly offer him the opportunity to be the face of the franchise right away. Kristaps Porzingis, 21, is still finding himself and his game. Thus, the 25-year-old point guard, who has already made four All-Star appearances and won an NBA championship, can immediately become the biggest star in Madison Square Garden. Irving already proved that he is the best ball-handler in the league and one of the best closers as well. He would be able to showcase his skills more than ever under the brighter lights of New York.
Irving is coming off his best NBA season yet after averaging 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting 40.1 percent from the perimeter. However, his effort was to no avail, as he and LeBron were able to reach the NBA Finals, but lost in five games at the hands of the Golden State Warriors.
Irving shared three intense years with James and believes it is time to show the world that he can win on his own.
Can Irving save the Knicks?
The Knicks haven't made the playoffs since the 2012-2013 season. The Carmelo Anthony experiment has been a disaster, and the forward seems to be on his way out this summer. Porzingis is awaiting a bigger role and the fans are awaiting his eruption.
The most notable off-season signings by the Knicks this year include Tim Hardaway Jr., and their number eight draft pick Frank Ntilikina, a 19-year-old French point guard who comes with many question marks.
Can the Knicks assemble an attractive package to convince the Cavaliers to trade Irving? An obvious option is Anthony, but the 33-year-old is past his prime and would not match the value if Irving on his own.
The Knicks could add Ntilikina and maybe a future first-round pick in order to truly entice the Cavs.
Other teams like the Phoenix Suns or Sacramento Kings could be ready to offer several promising players in order to acquire Irving, and teams like the Spurs or Timberwolves will surely knock on the Cavaliers' door to ask about a player that apparently wants to play for them as well. The Knicks have to move quickly if they don't want to miss the opportunity to become relevant again in the NBA.
