The Cleveland Cavaliers have received offers from 20 teams interested in acquiring All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who recently demanded a trade. Among those teams that made offers for Irving are the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. Four of those squads are in Irving’s list of preferred landing spots – San Antonio, Miami, New York and Minnesota.
However, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said what the Cavaliers are “asking for Irving is far more than what teams are willing to give up.” Wojnarowksi said the Cavaliers are eyeing what the Knicks gave up to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. In that 2011 trade, the Knicks traded forwards Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, guard Raymond Felton and center Timofey Mozgov to the Nuggets for Anthony. They also acquired guards Chauncey Billups and Anthony Carter and forwards Renaldo Balkman and Shelden Williams from Denver.
Altman wants package of young players and veterans
New Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman wanted a package of young players, win-now veterans and draft picks for Irving but most teams want a deal based on what the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls agreed upon on their deal for Jimmy Butler.
The Wolves acquired Butler and No. 16 pick Justin Patton from the Bulls in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and No. 7 Lauri Markkanen.
The Boston Celtics recently inquired about Irving and might offer Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and one of their first-round picks for the All-Star point guard. The Cavaliers might ask for either rookie Josh Jackson or Devin Booker from Phoenix but the Suns declared that Jackson is not available for trade. The Heat, for their part, are willing to part with Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow to get Irving.
New GM Altman praised for his poise
Meanwhile, one rival general manager praised Altman for showing real poise and for doing due diligence amid the deluge of offers being received by the Cavaliers.
According to Wojnarowski, Altman will continue taking calls for Irving, who wants to become the focal point of a team’s offense, away from the huge shadow of teammate LeBron James. For his part, James said he will not interfere in Cleveland’s moves regarding Irving trade talks. However, it was reported that James inquired with the Suns about the availability of Jackson but he got a negative response from Phoenix.